AI Act & Accessibility
How does the AI Act affect accessibility?
The European Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Act), approved in 2024, is the world's first comprehensive legislation regulating AI systems. It classifies systems into four risk levels and imposes proportionate requirements for transparency, human oversight and non-discrimination.
From an accessibility perspective, the AI Act has a direct impact: conversational chatbots, biometric authentication systems, voice interfaces and automated decision-making systems in employment, education or public services must be usable by persons with disabilities.
Our team advises on how to design AI interactions that are inclusive by default, in line with WCAG 2.2 and the AI Act.
- 1
High-risk AI systems must guarantee accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- 2
Chatbots, virtual assistants and voice interfaces must be compatible with assistive technology.
- 3
Biometric systems may not discriminate on the basis of physical or sensory disability.
- 4
Gradual entry into force: full obligations from August 2026.
Our
methodology.
AI Inventory
Identification of all AI systems in your digital environment and their risk classification under the AI Act.
Accessible Interface Audit
Evaluation of chatbot, voice and biometric interfaces for WCAG 2.2 AA compliance and assistive-technology compatibility.
Inclusive Interaction Design
Recommendations to ensure AI-driven interactions work for all users, including those with cognitive, visual or motor impairments.
Bias & Discrimination Review
Assessment of AI outputs for potential bias against persons with disabilities.
Compliance Documentation
Generation of the technical documentation required by the AI Act, including accessibility conformity reports.
Who it is
aimed at
The AI Act applies to providers and deployers of AI systems operating within the EU.
What must be accessible
Conversational Chatbots
Text and voice chatbots deployed on websites and apps must be operable via keyboard and compatible with screen readers.
Biometric Authentication
Facial recognition and fingerprint systems must provide accessible alternatives for persons with physical or sensory disabilities.
AI-Driven Decision Systems
Automated hiring, credit-scoring and education systems classified as high-risk under the AI Act.
Voice Interfaces
Voice assistants and smart speakers must offer visual and text alternatives.
Why we are
different
We build sustainable and scalable accessibility infrastructures.
Regulatory Compliance
Anticipate the AI Act obligations (full enforcement from August 2026) and avoid sanctions of up to 35 million euros or 7% of global turnover.
Inclusive Design
AI that works for everyone generates better user satisfaction and wider adoption.
Legal Risk Reduction
Proactive accessibility avoids discrimination complaints and strengthens your legal position.
Market Advantage
Being among the first to offer accessible AI positions your brand as a leader in responsible technology.
Risks of non-compliance
Non-compliance with the AI Act can result in sanctions of up to €35M or 7% of global turnover, plus reputational damage.
Financial Penalties
Fines of up to €35 million or 7% of global annual turnover for the most serious infringements.
Market Access Loss
Non-compliant AI systems may be barred from the EU single market.
Discrimination Liability
AI that excludes persons with disabilities may trigger civil liability and class-action lawsuits.
Reputational Damage
Public exposure of discriminatory AI practices can severely harm brand trust.
AI Accessibility
Certification.
Certify that your AI interfaces comply with WCAG 2.2 AA and the AI Act accessibility requirements.