- What is WCAG?
- Basic WCAG Principles
- WCAG 2.2 – the newest standards
- What changed on June 28, 2025?
- Summary
Digital accessibility is no longer just a nice standard – today it’s both a legal requirement and a real user need. Companies that invest in accessibility not only follow the law but also build a positive brand image and improve customer satisfaction. Since June this year, WCAG standards have become especially important for online stores, banking systems, mobile apps, and e-learning platforms.
What is WCAG?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is an international set of rules that explains how to design websites and apps so they are usable by as many people as possible – including those with disabilities. The current versions are WCAG 2.1 and 2.2, and the guidelines are divided into three levels of compliance: A, AA, and AAA. Most public and commercial projects now aim for the AA level as the standard.
Basic WCAG Principles
- Perceivable – Content should be available in multiple ways, e.g., alternative text for images and proper color contrast.
- Operable – The website should work without a mouse, meaning full keyboard navigation and clearly accessible interactive elements.
- Understandable – Content and interface should be intuitive, with clear and predictable messages.
- Robust – The website’s code should follow standards to ensure it works in different browsers and with assistive technologies.
WCAG 2.2 – the newest standards
Older projects can still meet WCAG 2.1, but new ones should follow the latest WCAG 2.2 guidelines. It includes all previous rules plus a few new ones:
- Focus Not Obscured – The focused element (e.g., a button) cannot be fully hidden.
- Focus Appearance – The focus indicator must be clearly visible and have good contrast.
- Dragging Movements – Actions requiring dragging must have an alternative way to interact.
- Target Size – Clickable elements must be at least 24×24 pixels to ensure easy access.
- Consistent Help – Help options (like contact, chat, or FAQ) must be easy to find and appear consistently on all pages.
- Redundant Entry – Users should not have to re-enter the same information multiple times.
- Accessible Authentication – Logging in should not rely only on memory or complex inputs; alternative, accessible login methods should be available (e.g., no CAPTCHA).
What changed on June 28, 2025?
On this date, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into effect, introducing important new rules for companies across the EU. From now on, the obligation to ensure digital accessibility applies to:
- online stores and shopping platforms,
- online banking services,
- e-books and e-readers,
- ticket machines, self-service kiosks, and POS devices,
- mobile apps and public service websites.
It’s important to note that these rules don’t apply only to public institutions – they also cover private companies, including software developers, publishers, e-commerce operators, and digital service providers.
Businesses are now required to provide an accessibility statement, technical documentation, and a channel for reporting accessibility issues. New products must meet accessibility standards immediately, while existing ones must comply by 2030.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in financial penalties and exclusion from public procurement.
Summary
Ensuring digital accessibility is an investment that benefits not only people with disabilities but all users. By following WCAG, your company can offer services that are more user-friendly, modern, and compliant with the law.
Is your website already compliant with WCAG 2.2?
Get in touch with us – we’ll conduct an accessibility audit and help you implement the necessary improvements! 👇
