Web Accessibility and Legislation: What the Law Requires in Europe and Latin America

Web Accessibility Regulations in Europe and Latin America: What You Need to Know

Web accessibility is not just an ethical matter or a user experience concern — it is also regulated by law in many countries. Both in Europe and Latin America, legal frameworks have been established that require public — and in some cases private — websites to be accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.

In this article, we explain the current accessibility regulations in each region and what you need to consider to ensure your website meets legal requirements.

What Is Web Accessibility, and Why Is It Regulated?

Web accessibility refers to the design and development of websites, tools, and digital technologies in a way that everyone can use them, regardless of physical, cognitive, sensory, or technological limitations.

These regulations aim to guarantee the right to access information and eliminate digital barriers. They are usually based on the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), a set of international standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines define three levels of compliance: A, AA, and AAA.

Web Accessibility Legislation in Europe

In the European Union, the legal framework is primarily based on:

🟦 Directive (EU) 2016/2102

Applies to: Websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies
Mandatory since: September 2020
Requirements: Compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA
Transparency: Public authorities must publish an accessibility statement that is visible to users

🟨 European Accessibility Act (2019)

Effective from: June 2025
Covers: Digital services such as e-commerce, e-readers, online banking, payment terminals, etc.
Affects: Private companies offering essential services to the public
Objective: To harmonize accessibility requirements across the EU and encourage accessible innovation

Countries such as Spain, France, and Germany have incorporated these regulations into national law with specific legislation, including penalties for non-compliance.

Web Accessibility Regulations in Latin America

Although legal progress has been more uneven than in Europe, many Latin American countries have begun to legislate digital accessibility, especially in the public sector.

🇲🇽 Mexico

Regulations: NOM-151 and the General Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
Official recommendation: Compliance with WCAG 2.0 or 2.1
Applies to: Primarily government and educational websites

🇨🇱 Chile

Law: Law 20.422 and Supreme Decree No. 100
Requires: Public websites to be accessible and meet international standards (WCAG)
Reference institution: SENADIS (National Disability Service)

🇨🇴 Colombia

Law 1346 of 2009 (ratification of the UN Convention)
Guidelines: Based on WCAG
Application: Mandatory for state entities and recommended for the private sector

🇦🇷 Argentina

Regulations: Law 26.653 on Accessibility of Information on Web Pages
Responsible agency: National Disability Agency
Requirement: Mandatory compliance for government websites

🇧🇷 Brazil

Laws: Decree 5.296 and Brazilian Inclusion Law (Law 13.146)
Guidelines: Based on WCAG 2.0
Applies to: Requires accessibility for government websites and recommends best practices for private companies

How Can You Comply with Accessibility Laws?

If your website operates in any of these regions — or if you simply want to improve digital inclusion — here’s a list of practical actions you can take:

✅ Evaluate your website using both automatic and manual accessibility tools
✅ Apply WCAG 2.2 Level AA guidelines as a minimum
✅ Include an accessibility statement on your site
✅ Ensure keyboard and screen reader navigation is possible
✅ Make sure all forms are accessible
✅ Provide text alternatives for images, audio, and video content

Remember: Meeting legal standards not only helps you avoid penalties — it also enhances the experience for all users and boosts your search engine rankings.

Conclusion

Digital accessibility is no longer optional: it’s backed by legislation, demanded by users, and valued by search engines. Understanding and applying the regulations in your country not only prevents fines but also enhances your brand reputation and reach.

At Inclusif, we help you identify the legal requirements that apply to your site and support you throughout the technical and strategic compliance process. Not sure where to start? Let’s talk — we’ll guide you step by step.