"Plenty of Progress Needed" Only a Third of Top German Online Shops Accessible for All
Majority of Online Shops in Germany Lack Barrier-Free Accessibility
The obstacles in online stores pose a problem for many. Ahead of the new Accessibility Enhancement Act, a large section of Germany's major webshops still aren't user-friendly for all. Failure to abide by the new accessibility law could lead to hefty fines, beginning from June 28. Experts are calling for immediate action.
Before the Accessibility Strengthening Act goes into effect, a significant number of the prominent webshops in Germany still fail to provide their digital goods and services in an accessible manner. According to a study conducted by Google, the philanthropic organization "Aktion Mensch," and the Pfennigparade Foundation in Berlin, only approximately a third of the 65 most visited online shops in Germany are navigable via keyboard - and thus sans a mouse. This improve upon last year's figure, where only 20 percent of popular e-shops were accessible.
For individuals with disabilities, keyboard navigation is a crucial requirement for overall accessibility. The study also found that most of the tested sites lacked a visible keyboard focus, making it challenging for visually impaired users to identify the currently selected element.
"Much Room for Progress"
The German Social Association (SoVD) expressed concern over the study's findings. SoVD board chairman Michael Engelmeier stated that digital accessibility is vital for everyone's inclusion. "The SoVD, as one of the largest disabled organizations in Germany, thus demands that people with disabilities, especially the elderly, must be included in the digitalization process."
Online shopping currently serves as a significant relief for mobility-impaired and visually impaired individuals. However, accessible websites are a prerequisite for them to be usable at all. "The current survey shows: There is still a lot to do in this regard in Germany, even in international comparison," Engelmeier added.
Policy
Shop operators could face steep penalties if they don't make their offerings accessible. The deadline for implementing the EU directive on the accessibility of products and services ends on June 28. This directive obligates EU member states to ensure that certain products and services, including online commerce, are accessible. In Germany, this is executed through the Accessibility Strengthening Act.
The act mandates companies to adapt their affected products and services to the legal accessibility requirements. Exemptions apply to small service providers with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of less than two million euros. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 100,000 euros.
As of June 2025, online retailers in Germany are required to ensure that their websites and apps are accessible to people with disabilities under the Accessibility Strengthening Act. Compliance involves meeting key requirements like usability, perceptibility, comprehensibility, and robustness. By promoting universal design and accessibility, businesses not only comply with legal requirements but also enhance their services for a broader audience, including those with disabilities.
Failure to abide by the Accessibility Strengthening Act can result in legal consequences, including fines and potential legal action for violating accessibility laws. Additionally, companies may face reputational damage and loss of customer trust if they fail to provide accessible services.
- In light of the Accessibility Strengthening Act, it's crucial for companies to prioritize vocational training in technology to ensure their online shops are accessible to individuals with disabilities, thus adhering to the law and enhancing their services for a broader audience.
- To address the inaccessibility of online shops for people with disabilities, as highlighted by the study, our community policy should emphasize the importance of vocational training in technology to enable the creation of accessible websites, in line with the Accessibility Strengthening Act.
