Web accessibility in public administration in Spain is a crucial topic to ensure equal access for all individuals to the various public sector websites. In this article, we will explore the regulations and obligations set forth, as well as the potential penalties for non-compliance with web accessibility.
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ToggleWhat is the current accessibility regulation for public administration?
The current regulation that requires public sector websites to comply with the established criteria is the Royal Decree 1112/2018, dated September 7th, regarding the accessibility of websites and mobile applications in the public sector.
Its main objective is to ensure that people with disabilities can access and use online services under equal conditions, regardless of their limitations.
This Royal Decree establishes that public sector websites and mobile applications must comply with the accessibility requirements set by the international standard WCAG 2.1, Level AA. This involves providing features and functionalities that facilitate navigation and comprehension of information for people with disabilities.
What level of accessibility should public sector websites have?
Focusing on the public sector, current legislation mandates that public administrations must meet at least Level AA accessibility in their web content and applications.
The Level AA accessibility standard requires public administrations to implement key aspects such as the use of alternative text for images, proper color contrast, descriptive labels for interactive elements, clear organization and structure of information, and accessibility options for people with hearing or visual impairments.
Meeting these requirements allows people with disabilities to access and use online services from public administrations effectively.
Although the minimum requirement is Level AA, it is possible to achieve a higher level of web accessibility excellence, known as Level AAA. While not mandatory, reaching this level represents an ideal standard for a website to become a benchmark, offering advantages in terms of reputation and visibility.
What are the penalties if a public institution’s website is not accessible?
In case of non-compliance with these obligations, the Royal Decree imposes financial penalties ranging from a minimum of 301 euros to a maximum of 1,000,000 euros, depending on the severity and recurrence of the violation. For minor infractions, the penalty will not exceed 30,000 euros, while for serious infractions, it will not exceed 90,000 euros.
Additionally, failing to comply with accessibility obligations may have reputational and legal implications, as it may affect the public administration’s image and lead to lawsuits for discrimination or exclusion of people with disabilities.
In summary, penalties for non-compliance with web accessibility obligations in public administrations can include warnings, requests for corrective action, and financial fines.
It is important for public administrations to comply with these obligations to guarantee equal access to online services and avoid potential legal and reputational consequences.
What are the deadlines for proving the accessibility of my website?
Royal Decree 1112/2018 came into effect on September 20, 2018, establishing that all public sector websites created after that date should meet the established requirements, making it an almost immediate requirement from the moment it was enforced.
For mobile applications of public institutions, more time was given for this adaptation. Specifically, this requirement was imposed in June 2021.
Therefore, in terms of accessibility, if your website or mobile application belongs to a public administration and still does not meet the minimum established level, you must address this challenge urgently, as you would be out of compliance.
What is the role of Tu Web Accesible in the process?
At Tu Web Accesible, we have a team of experts in web accessibility, consisting of consultants and certified auditors. We tailor our services to the needs of each project to comply with Royal Decree 1112/2018.
Our services include consulting with personalized advice, auditing according to WCAG 2.1 and EN 301 549 standards, and evaluating accessible websites. It is in your hands to choose the right team of web accessibility specialists to ensure that your website has no limitations for any individual.
If you have any questions about the accessibility of your website or want to learn more about the subject, feel free to contact us.
