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Germany’s Barrier-Free Act Takes Effect with New Digital Accessibility Requirements

The law extends EU accessibility standards to private digital services for the first time, setting staged deadlines to boost equal online access for people with disabilities.

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Onlineshops in Deutschland müssen ab dem 28. Juni auf eine neue Regel reagieren.
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Overview

  • As of June 28, newly introduced online shops, apps, ticket machines and ATMs must support keyboard navigation, screenreader compatibility, alternative text, video subtitles, clear navigation, simple language and high-contrast visuals.
  • Existing ATMs enjoy a grace period equal to their economic lifespan or 15 years from installation but must meet new accessibility standards by 2040.
  • Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million turnover are exempt; companies with up to 50 staff must demonstrate hardship to delay compliance.
  • A market surveillance authority is now operational to conduct inspections, investigate complaints and impose fines up to €100,000 or order service suspensions for violations.
  • Consumers can file reports on digital barriers with authorities but have no individual legal right to demand retrofits of existing websites or devices.