Accessible website: A must for companies from 2025?

Can anyone use your company’s website?

If you now answer “yes”, we would like to ask you again at this point: are you sure? While accessibility has long been an established concept in restaurants and public establishments, the topic is only now moving into the digital world. The fact that websites, web stores etc. are publicly accessible online does not automatically mean that everyone can use them.

The Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) is now set to change this: The internet should be accessible to everyone – regardless of physical limitations or technical requirements. If you’re thinking “Sounds great. But how do I put it into practice?” then you’ve come to the right place! We’ll explain what the BFSG is all about, when and for whom it applies and what changes it will bring to your website.

What does accessibility on the web mean?

Accessibility means that digital content and services are accessible to all people – regardless of individual abilities or limitations. A website is considered accessible if it is perceivable, operable, understandable and robust.

• Colors and contrasts must also be suitable for people with visual impairments.
• Texts must be able to be read aloud by screen readers.
• Keyboard navigation must be possible.

The BFSG aims to ensure that these requirements become the standard on the web. For you, this is an opportunity to make the digital world fairer and more user-friendly – and to strengthen the potential of your brand at the same time.

The Accessibility Improvement Act (BFSG)

The BFSG, which comes into force on June 28, 2025, is intended to regulate accessibility for digital products and services in the EU in a binding manner. From this date, companies that offer electronic services must make their websites accessible. This applies to online stores, contact forms and information services, among other things.

Which websites and companies are affected?

Services

• Telephone services
• E-book offers
• Messenger services
• Banking services
• Electronic business transactions (e.g. online stores, booking portals)
• Passenger transportation services
• Mobile devices