Digital accessibility in the UK ensures websites, apps, and digital services are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Some requirements are legally mandatory, while others are widely adopted standards that influence compliance and best practice. Together, these laws and standards promote inclusion, improve user experience, and help organizations meet their legal obligations in the digital space.
Mandatory Digital Accessibility Laws in the UK
In the UK, digital accessibility is a legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010. The law requires businesses and public organizations to make their online platforms accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This means removing barriers that prevent equal access and ensuring that websites, apps, and digital services can be used effectively by all users.
The Equality Act 2010
Die Gleichstellungsgesetz 2010 is a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that applies to all organizations providing goods, services, or employment in the UK. It protects individuals from discrimination based on protected characteristics, including disability. The Act requires organizations to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people can access services on an equal basis.
This duty to make reasonable adjustments extends to digital services, covering websites, mobile apps, and digital tools. Organizations must ensure these digital platforms are accessible to users with disabilities. Enforcement of the Equality Act is carried out through legal action in UK courts, often via discrimination claims, making compliance important for all service providers.
Despite the Equality Act 2010 making digital accessibility a legal requirement, most UK businesses still fail to meet the necessary standards. Studies show that nearly all UK websites, around 97%, contain detectable accessibility errors, meaning they do not fully comply with the law. Even within the public sector, where compliance is monitored more closely, only about three-quarters of websites meet the WCAG 2.1 AA benchmark. While many organizations acknowledge their legal responsibilities, full adherence to accessibility standards remains the exception rather than the rule, leaving millions of users with disabilities facing unnecessary barriers online.
The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018
Die Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 specifically apply to public sector organizations, including government departments, the NHS, schools, and local councils. These regulations require public sector websites and mobile applications to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
Under these regulations, public sector bodies must publish an accessibility statement detailing their compliance status and provide a feedback mechanism for users to report accessibility issues. The Government Digital Service (GDS) enforces these rules and has the authority to audit websites and issue notices to ensure compliance.
Digital Accessibility Guidelines and Standards
Digital Accessibility Guidelines and Standards set the rules for creating online content that everyone can use, including people with disabilities. They provide clear principles for designing websites, apps, and digital services that are inclusive, user-friendly, and compliant with legal accessibility requirements.
Richtlinien für die Zugänglichkeit von Webinhalten (WCAG)
Die Leitlinien für die Zugänglichkeit von Webinhalten (WCAG) are the global technical standard for digitale Zugänglichkeit. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), WCAG forms the digital accessibility benchmark for the UK’s Public Sector Accessibility Regulations. It defines detailed criteria for making digital content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
Although WCAG compliance is not mandatory for private companies, UK courts increasingly reference WCAG standards in cases brought under the Equality Act. This makes WCAG a critical framework for organizations aiming to reduce legal risk and improve accessibility.
ISO 30071-1 (formerly BS 8878)
ISO 30071-1 is an international standard that provides a comprehensive framework for managing digital accessibility. Unlike WCAG, which focuses on technical requirements, ISO 30071-1 addresses processes, governance, and strategy around accessibility.
While adoption of ISO 30071-1 is voluntary, it helps organizations demonstrate good practice and due diligence in accessibility management. Implementing this standard supports ongoing compliance and fosters a culture of inclusion.
Industry Best Practices
Many UK private companies proactively adopt WCAG Stufe AA or higher standards enhance user experience and reduce legal risks. Beyond technical compliance, organizations often implement accessibility testing, staff training, and inclusive design practices.
These proactive measures improve brand reputation, boost search engine optimization (SEO), and expand customer reach as a result. Embracing accessibility as a core business value benefits both users and organizations alike.
Staying Ahead With UK Accessibility Laws and Standards
In the UK, digitale Zugänglichkeit is legally required under the Equality Act 2010 and, for public sector bodies, the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018. While WCAG and ISO 30071-1 are not laws themselves, they form the accepted standards for compliance and best practice, making them critical for any UK organization delivering digital services.
Together, these laws and standards create a robust framework that ensures digital services are accessible to all users, regardless of their ability. Staying informed about evolving regulations and adopting best practices helps organizations maintain compliance and foster an inclusive digital environment.