What The European Accessibility Act (Might) Mean for Mobile Development

The European Accessibility Act or EAA is due to become law in Europe later this year, and it defines some specific requirements for mobile. Its the first accessibility legislation that I’m aware of, anywhere, that explicitly covers mobile apps.

The European Union has been working on standardising accessibility legislation across Europe since 2012. The ultimate aim is to both improve the experience for those who need to use assistive technology, but also to simplify the rules business need to follow on accessibility. Years of discussions and consultations have led to the European Accessibility Act, written in 2018. The act covers a range of requirements for, amongst other channels, mobile.

While the EAA doesn’t blanket cover every category of app, the net is pretty broad. The act covers any apps sold or in use within the European Union that fall into these categories. So even if your business is not part of the Euro Zone if your app is available on an app store any country that is a member, then the act applies to you. So, if you’re in the business of making mobile interactions, you’ll need to prepare. Fortunately, both Apple and Android provide many of the tools required to conform to the law at a system level, meaning you’ll likely be a long way towards complying already.