Upcoming 2025 Digital Accessibility Compliance Deadlines

Digital Accessibility Laws: What to Know in the U.S. and Beyond for 2025 Compliance

Governments worldwide are enacting and refining digital accessibility laws to create more inclusive online environments. With 2025 compliance dates fast approaching for several key regulations, organizations must understand their obligations and prepare accordingly.

Here’s an overview of the most notable U.S. and international digital accessibility laws with upcoming compliance deadlines in 2025, along with actionable steps businesses can take to meet these requirements.

Colorado

Colorado’s HB21-1110 originally required all state and local government agency websites to comply with WCAG 2.1 by July 2024. In May 2024, the state approved HB24-1454, which may provide a one-year grace period from which an agency may be protected from legal liability for accessibility violations. The grace period is not automatic; agencies must apply for it and demonstrate that they are actively working toward compliance. The grace period ends and the updated compliance deadline is now July 1, 2025. 

European Union: European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is one of the most significant international accessibility laws to watch. Passed in 2019, the EAA sets harmonized accessibility standards across the European Union (EU) for various products and services, including websites, mobile applications, e-commerce platforms, and digital banking tools.

The EAA’s requirements become enforceable for most businesses by June 28, 2025. While EU member states have already incorporated the EAA into national laws, the 2025 deadline gives companies time to adapt their digital offerings.

Retailers, financial institutions, and service providers operating in the EU must ensure their digital interfaces meet the standards. Organizations outside the EU that serve EU customers will also need to comply.

The EAA adopts WCAG 2.1 AA as its benchmark for digital accessibility, aligning it with global best practices.

Potential 2025 Laws

Beyond existing laws with solid deadlines in 2025, more potential laws on the horizon would also require websites to be accessible, even for the private sector. Most of these laws refer to WCAG as the standard for compliance, so it’s wise for organizations to prioritize digital accessibility before tight deadlines are implemented. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Although the ADA doesn’t explicitly mention websites or mobile apps, courts have increasingly interpreted the law to require digital accessibility. In 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance affirming that ADA compliance extends to public-facing websites and apps.

In 2025, the DOJ is expected to finalize regulations clarifying web accessibility standards under the ADA, likely aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. Organizations should proactively assess their digital properties for accessibility barriers and address them ahead of these anticipated updates.

California

California’s AB 1757 could have national implications, if and when it passes. While this proposed bill has been stalled, it could potentially pass at any time and offers organizations no grace period. Any organization whose website targets California customers would need to comply with WCAG 2.1 level AA or face potential fines of $4,000 per violation. 

Australia: Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) prohibits discrimination based on disability, including in the digital realm. In 2025, the Australian government is expected to update its Digital Service Standard, aligning it with WCAG 2.1 AA to strengthen enforcement of accessibility requirements.

How to Prepare for 2025 Compliance Deadlines

Meeting digital accessibility requirements can seem daunting, but proactive planning makes the process manageable. Here are five steps to help your organization achieve compliance:

1. Audit Your Digital Assets: Conduct a thorough accessibility audit of your websites, mobile apps, and digital documents. Use automated tools and manual testing with assistive technologies to identify barriers.
2. Adopt WCAG Standards: Most laws reference WCAG 2.1 AA as the standard for compliance. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and prioritize critical fixes, such as ensuring keyboard navigation and adding alternative text.
3. Train Your Team: Educate developers, designers, and content creators on accessibility principles. Building accessibility into your workflows reduces the risk of noncompliance.
4. Choose Accessibility Tools and Solutions: Accessibility tools and solutions that are easy for your team to use regularly are essential. Fast, efficient solutions make it easy and practical for all team members to build accessibility into their workflows. For PDFs, Equidox PDF Accessibility Software reduces PDF remediation for individual documents to just a few clicks, while Equidox AI completely automates PDF accessibility for high-volume documents.
5. Engage Experts: Work with accessibility consultants or specialists to address complex challenges and ensure compliance with specific regulations.
6. Monitor and Update: Accessibility is an ongoing effort. Regularly review your digital assets and incorporate feedback from users with disabilities to maintain compliance.

Prepare for legal compliance

Digital accessibility laws in the U.S. and around the world are advancing rapidly, with 2025 marking a critical year for compliance. From the DOJ’s ADA regulations to the European Accessibility Act, these updates underscore the importance of creating inclusive digital experiences for all users.

Organizations that prioritize accessibility now will not only meet legal requirements but also enhance their brand reputation, expand their audience, and contribute to a more equitable digital ecosystem. Don’t wait until the last minute—start your accessibility journey today.

Nina Overdorff

Nina comes to Equidox with years of sales and marketing experience from a variety of industries and holds a BS in Language Arts Education. Nina has a passion for words, storytelling, and information, which she believes everyone should have access to regardless of ability. After spending time as a teacher with a blind student, she became much more aware of the limitations and abilities of web accessibility, and how essential it is to those experiencing disabilities. “Being able to access information equally ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity for education, employment, and success in life.”