A practical guide to the European Accessibility Act – Doonamis

Digital accessibility is not just a technical issue: it is about ensuring that everyone can use your website or app, regardless of whether they have a disability, are older or have a poor connection.

From 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act requires websites and apps to meet accessibility standards, with fines of up to €600,000 for non-compliance.

What does it mean to have an accessible app?

You may think your app is already easy to use, but accessibility goes much further. It is about designing and developing so that no one is left out because of technological barriers. Here are some key points:

In short, it is about removing technological barriers that prevent people from accessing your content or using your services, as required by the European Accessibility Act.

• Visual: Good colour contrast, text that can be enlarged without breaking the design, avoiding the use of colour alone to convey information.
• Hearing: Subtitles on videos and audio transcripts.
• Motor: Keyboard navigation, large buttons that are easy to press.
• Cognitive: Clear and simple language, consistent and predictable design.

Who is affected?

Under the new regulation, not all companies are required to comply, but many are. Here is how to tell whether it affects you:

Who is exempt? Microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover under €2M), internal apps that are not public, and older products that are no longer updated. However, even if you are not obliged to, complying with the European Accessibility Act can open up new opportunities and keep you from being excluded from public contracts.

• Medium-sized or large companies with public apps.
• E-commerce, banks, transport apps, marketplaces.
• Public authorities.
• Digital publishers, ATMs and self-service terminals.

What risks do you face if you do not comply?

Accessibility is a legal requirement, but failing to comply can also cause you serious problems. These are some of the risks of putting it off:

In addition to penalties, you will lose users who cannot use your service and your brand will be seen as lacking inclusivity. You may also be excluded from public contracts or tenders that require accessibility.

• Fines of €30,000 to €600,000.
• Daily fines of up to €1,000 until you fix the problems.
• In serious cases, you can be banned from operating for up to 2 years.

What do you gain by complying?

It is not just about avoiding fines. Making your app accessible and complying with the European Accessibility Act is also an opportunity to grow and strengthen your brand. These are some of the benefits:

• You will reach more users (in Spain alone, more than 4 million people have a recognised disability).
• You will strengthen your brand’s reputation and the trust it inspires.
• Your app will be clearer and more usable for everyone.
• You will improve your search engine ranking and compatibility with voice assistants.

Why do it now?

Adapting an app takes time, so it is best not to leave it until the last minute. What is more, an accessible app gives you a competitive advantage.

How can Doonamis help?

If you have not started yet, now is the time. Avoid penalties and create a barrier-free digital environment.

Contact Doonamis and request your accessibility audit.

• Full technical audit with more than 50 criteria.
• Clear, actionable report.
• Support while you fix errors.
• Legal and strategic advice.