From 28 June 2025, the new Accessibility Reinforcement Act applies in Austria. It obliges companies to offer accessible ICT products and services. This affects ATMs, smartphones, e-commerce and online banking, among other things. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to €80,000.
What the Law Requires
The Accessibility Reinforcement Act implements the EU "European Accessibility Act" directive in Austria. Companies must ensure their digital products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. The scope includes:
- ATMs and self-service terminals
- Smartphones and PCs
- E-commerce platforms
- Online banking services
- Messaging services
WCAG Principles for Websites
Websites must follow WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) principles:
- Perceivable: Alternative texts for images, captions for videos
- Operable: Full keyboard navigation, no time-limited interactions
- Understandable: Clear language and proper labeling
- Robust: Compatibility with different browsers and assistive devices
AI-Powered Image Descriptions
One of the most impactful quick wins for accessibility compliance is adding proper ALT texts to all images. AI-powered image description tools can now automate this process, generating accurate, descriptive ALT texts for entire image libraries in minutes. A transition period of 5 years is planned for full implementation.
By Prof. DDr. Roman Egger