Legal Requirements for Digital Accessibility: A Global Overview

In 2026, digital accessibility is no longer optional; it has become a legally mandated requirement worldwide. Governments around the globe recognize that access to digital information is a human right. For businesses, this means websites, apps, and software interfaces must be designed to be fully usable by all people, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. Failure to comply with these regulatory requirements now carries significant legal and financial risks.

Key Legislation at a Glance

Germany and the EU: Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG)

In Germany, the BFSG is the central regulation. Since mid-2025, companies in the B2C sector must ensure their digital services are accessible. This applies to online shops, banks, and public transport services. Ignoring these requirements can result in heavy fines. For details on deadlines and obligations, see our article The BFSG in 2026: Obligations, Deadlines, and the Risk of Costly Fines.

USA: ADA Title III and Section 508

For companies operating in the U.S. market, two laws are critical. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires accessibility for public spaces, which courts now almost universally interpret to include websites. Section 508 applies to all entities supplying digital products to U.S. federal agencies. Both laws reference the international WCAG standards.

Canada: AODA (Ontario)

In Ontario, Canada, the AODA sets extremely strict standards. It is considered one of the most progressive accessibility laws in the world and can impose daily fines for non-compliance. Businesses operating in this region must ensure their websites are fully compliant.

WCAG: The Global Technical Standard

The Common Basis for All Laws

Although laws differ by region, they almost all rely technically on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Currently, meeting WCAG 2.1/2.2 Level AA is the safest way to achieve legal compliance worldwide. These guidelines define, for example, how to remove visual barriers, which we also cover in detail in our article Color Blindness Is Not Just Color Blindness.

Technical Implementation and Inclusion

Legal requirements include technical aspects such as semantic HTML and keyboard operability. They also promote cognitive inclusion. Features like the ADHD Mode or the Reading Mask help meet requirements for neurodiverse users. Learn more in ADHD on the Web: How to Stop Visual Distractions.

MH-Accessibility Pro: Your Tool for Global Compliance

Implementing all of these requirements can be complex. MH-Accessibility Pro is designed to automate and simplify this process for WordPress users:

• Automated Error Checking: Identify violations of legal standards directly with the Accessibility-Tester.

• Health Protection: Meet safety requirements with the integrated Epilepsy Protection to stop flashing content. Learn more at Epilepsy Prevention on the Web.

• Optimize Readability: Remove barriers for people with reading difficulties with the Dyslexia Mode, as described in our guide Dyslexia and Digital Accessibility.

• Legally Compliant Documentation: Generate the legally required accessibility statements with our Generator for accessibility statements.

Conclusion: Accessibility as Business Security

The legal requirements in 2026 are strict, but they also offer opportunities. Accessible websites are not only legally compliant but also achieve a significant SEO boost through accessibility. By prioritizing inclusion, you protect your business from lawsuits while reaching new customer groups.

Want to make your website legally compliant? Rely on the market-leading solution for meeting global accessibility standards. See Pricing