“Internet for all” is not a vision—it is long overdue.

The internet is no longer a “nice-to-have” channel, but rather the central infrastructure for information, communication, and business transactions. This makes it all the more serious that a significant proportion of people still have limited or no access to this infrastructure—simply because websites, shops, and portals are not designed to be accessible.

At the same time, the legal framework is becoming significantly stricter: with the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG), a regulation will come into force on June 28, 2025, that makes accessibility mandatory for many digital offerings.
Those who wait are hoping for time – and risk fines, warnings, and lasting damage to their reputation.

In short: Internet accessibility is an urgent issue – socially, legally, and economically.

Why companies need to act now

Around 7.9 million severely disabled people live in Germany, which corresponds to 9.3% of the total population. 
In addition, there are millions of people with mild disabilities, age-related impairments, or temporary disabilities (e.g., after accidents).

For all these people, a non-accessible website can mean:

•    No possibility to buy products online
•    No access to important information (e.g., service, support, applications, documents)
•    No full access to employer portals, training opportunities, or 

Accessibility is therefore a question of participation — not only in a private context, but also in an economic one. Companies that do not make their digital channels accessible are effectively excluding customers, employees, and partners.

Legal pressure is mounting: BFSG & WCAG as minimum standards

With the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the EU has created a framework that is being implemented in Germany through the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG).
From June 28, 2025, numerous products and services offered to consumers must be accessible, including:

•    a large part of online commerce (webshops, platforms)
•    digital services, e.g., banking and telecommunications services
•    certain websites, apps, and self-service portals

The BFSG refers to international standards, in particular the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, conformance level AA.

These guidelines specify when digital content is considered accessible – for example, in terms of:

•    Perceptibility (e.g., contrast, alternative text for images)
•    Operability (e.g., keyboard navigation, focus order)
•    Comprehensibility (e.g., clear language, consistent navigation)
•    Robustness (technical implementation, semantic structure, compatibility with assistive technologies)

Violations may result in regulatory measures and fines, which, according to information from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, can be as high as €100,000.
In addition, competitors or associations may issue warnings.

The key message:

Accessibility is no longer voluntary, but is now a legal requirement – and one that can be verified, documented, and sanctioned.

Accessibility as a genuine business factor

Anyone who views accessibility solely as a cost factor or compliance obligation is missing the point. In reality, it is a business lever with a direct impact on sales, efficiency, and brand.

Greater reach and sales

•    People with disabilities and older people are a relevant, growing customer group—both online and offline.
•    Accessible websites, shops, and portals remove barriers to access and enable more transactions, more inquiries, and more self-service.

Better user experience for everyone

Accessibility enforces principles that benefit all user groups:

•    Clear information architecture
•    Clear buttons and links
•    Comprehensible forms
•    Meaningful error messages
•    Mobile compatibility and good performance

Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA has been proven to improve overall usability and thus reduce abandonment during the ordering or inquiry process.

Stronger SEO and better findability

Many accessibility measures also support search engine optimization:

•    Semantic heading structure
•    Alt texts and meaningful link texts
•    Clear structure and consistent navigation

Search engines can better understand, index, and evaluate such pages. The result: greater visibility, especially in the organic area, which functions independently of rising advertising costs.

If you would like to know

•    how accessible your website, shop, or portal already is today
•    which requirements from the BFSG and WCAG are specifically relevant for your company
•    and how you can integrate accessibility into your existing digital and system landscape,

then get in touch with us.

As a digital agency specializing in complex digital ecosystems (PIM, DAM, CMS, e-commerce, portals, intranet), we support you in implementing digital accessibility strategically, technically cleanly, and efficiently—before external pressure arises.