New web accessibility regulations: what's changing and how to adapt

The new web accessibility regulation is no longer a recommendation: it is a legal obligation in Europe and Spain. From June 2025, private companies and public bodies must ensure that their websites, apps and digital services are accessible to all people, including those with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive disabilities.

This change has been driven by the European Accessibility Act (EAA). It is supported by current regulations such as Royal Decree 1112/2018, which implies stricter requirements and possible penalties if not complied with.

In this article, you will discover, clearly and with practical examples, what the regulation requires, who it affects, what risks exist and how you can start complying with it.

1. What are the new web accessibility regulations in Europe and Spain?

• European Accessibility Act (EAA)
• Royal Decree 1112/2018
• General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• LSSI (Law 34/2002)

Its objective is to ensure that any essential digital service, from an e-commerce to a customer service app, is accessible to any user, regardless of their condition.

The regulation establishes as its main reference the WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines, and it is expected that future updates will be adopted as WCAG 2.2.

2. Why has this standard been created?

Digital accessibility has been a recommendation for years, but in 2025, it became an obligation for very clear reasons:

• To eliminate barriers for millions of people with disabilities.
• To reduce the digital divide in access to basic services.
• Unify criteria among European countries.
• Make accessibility a digital quality standard.
• Make companies and digital platforms inclusive by default.

In short, the aim is to guarantee real equality in the digital environment and prevent online services from excluding part of the population.

3. Who is affected by the new web accessibility regulations?

Mandatory for public bodies

• Public administrations
• Public educational, health and cultural centers
• Companies holding concessions or operating public services

Obligatory for private companies

The EAA extends the scope to private companies that offer essential digital services, such as:

• E-commerce and marketplaces
• Telecommunications
• Banking and financial services
• Transportation
• Publishing, audiovisual and digital reading
• Customer service platforms
• ATMs, self-service terminals and vending machines
• Consumer-oriented software and hardware

Exceptions? The so-called "disproportionate burden" is contemplated, but only if it is documented and the cost of adaptation is shown to be unfeasible. In practice, many companies will have to adapt.

4. Main requirements: what web accessibility regulations require

The requirements are based on the four WCAG principles:

1) Perceptible

The content must be perceivable by any user. Examples:

• Alternative text in images (ALT)
• Subtitles in videos
• Sufficient contrast
• Clear reading and correct structure

2) Operable

The user must be able to navigate without barriers. Examples:

• Keyboard navigation
• Accessible menus
• No time locks
• Easy to use buttons

3) Understandable

Information should be clear and easy to follow. Examples:

• Well-labeled forms
• Explanatory error messages
• Clear language and consistent structure

4) Robust

The web must be compatible with assistive technologies. jExamples:

• Screen readers
• Accessible interfaces
• Semantic and well-structured code

5. Real examples of non-compliance (very common)

Although they may seem like small details, these failures are frequent and can lead to non-compliance:

1) E-commerce without ALT tags: product images do not have alternative text.

Result: a screen reader cannot interpret what is being sold.

2) Forms with errors only in colour: If an error appears only in red, the user does not know what is happening.

Result: barrier for users with color blindness or screen readers.

3) Videos without subtitles: Contents without subtitles or transcripts.

Result: exclusion of hearing-impaired users.

These errors not only generate legal risk: they reduce conversion and damage the user experience.

6. What happens if you do not comply with the regulations?

Non-compliance can result in:

1. Financial fines depending on severity
2. Obligation to adapt immediately after inspection
3. Official publication of non-compliance
4. Loss of reputation and user confidence
5. Barriers for bids or agreements with public entities
6. Loss of conversions due to a bad experience

In regulated sectors, this can become a real competitive problem.

7. How to comply with the new web accessibility regulations (practical guide)

Here is a realistic plan of action:

1) Perform a web accessibility test. Combine:

• Automatic review (tools like Lighthouse, Wave...)
• Manual audit
• Screen reader testing

Tip: Automatic tests do not detect everything. Human review is mandatory.

2) Correct errors by priority. Start with:

• Keyboard navigation
• Semantic structure (H1/H2/H3 well used)
• ALT on images
• Accessible forms
• Contrast and readability

3) Train your team. Accessibility is broken if no one knows how to maintain it. Includes:

• Design
• Development
• Content
• Marketing

4) Apply continuous maintenance. Accessibility is not a one-time project, but a permanent standard.

5) Rely on specialists. An expert team avoids mistakes, speeds up the process and reduces legal risks.

Complying with the new web accessibility regulations not only avoids penalties but also improves your brand. Anaccessible website: increases conversion, reduces abandonment, improves user experience, reinforces your reputation, expands your market and positions you as a modern and responsible company. This year, accessibility is no longer an extra and has become a minimum standard.