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Equality Act 2010 (UK): Digital Accessibility in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws worldwide with the Equality Act 2010. It protects people with disabilities from disadvantage in nearly every area of life – and by 2026, this explicitly includes access to digital information and services. For businesses and public sector organizations active in the UK market, compliance is not only a matter of inclusion but a mandatory legal requirement.

What is the Equality Act 2010?

The Equality Act 2010 consolidates various earlier anti-discrimination laws and provides the legal framework for equal treatment in the UK. It obliges providers of goods and services to ensure that people with disabilities are not treated less favorably than those without disabilities. In the digital context, this means that websites, apps, and software must be designed to be accessible to everyone.

Digital Requirements and “Reasonable Adjustments”

A central concept of the Equality Act is the obligation to make “Reasonable Adjustments.” Website operators are legally required to act proactively, not waiting for complaints but removing barriers in advance.

  • Accessible Access: Service providers must ensure their digital platforms are usable by people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.

  • Proportionality: What counts as “reasonable” often depends on the size and resources of the organization, but by 2026, professional websites are expected to meet a high baseline level of accessibility.

  • Public Sector: Public bodies are additionally governed by the “Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018,” which set out more specific requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Technical Basis: The Role of WCAG

Although the Equality Act itself does not specify technical requirements, UK government guidance and practice have established a clear standard.

  • WCAG Compliance: Websites are expected to meet WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 at Level AA.

  • Perceptibility and Usability: This includes essential aspects like correct alt text, sufficient color contrast, and full keyboard accessibility.

  • Assistive Technology Compatibility: Websites must function smoothly with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the Equality Act can have serious consequences for businesses in the UK. Users have the right to file civil claims for discrimination if digital barriers prevent access to services.

  • Compensation: Courts can award damages for lost services or experienced discrimination.

  • Reputational Damage: In a market that values corporate social responsibility, excluding user groups can have lasting negative effects on brand image.

  • Oversight by the EHRC: The Equality and Human Rights Commission monitors compliance and can initiate investigations in cases of systemic violations.

Securing your success in the UK market: The requirements in the United Kingdom highlight a global trend: accessibility is a prerequisite for digital excellence. Implementing inclusive standards protects your business while also providing a measurable SEO boost through accessibility. Learn more about other international standards at Regulations or use our Digital Accessibility Checklist to make your website globally compliant.