Web accessibility (WCAG 2.2 compliance) is no longer optional. Starting June 28, 2025, websites and digital services in the EU must meet WCAG 2.2 standards. This is required under the European Accessibility Act.
In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets similar expectations.
Ithe United Kingdom the Equality Act 2010 requires fair access for users with disabilities.
This is not just a technical update — it’s a legal responsibility for any business that serves the public.
What Is WCAG 2.2?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the official global standards for digital accessibility, published by the W3C.
WCAG helps make websites usable for people with disabilities.
This includes those with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive challenges.
The official specifications can be found here: Official WCAG 2.2 specification – W3C
WCAG 2.2, released in October 2023, builds upon WCAG 2.1 and introduces nine new success criteria that focus on:
- Mobile usability
- Cognitive accessibility
- Touch target sizing
- Keyboard navigation improvements
WCAG defines three conformance levels:
- Level A – Basic accessibility
- Level AA – The required legal standard in most jurisdictions
- Level AAA – Highest level, not practical for full websites
All websites must meet at least the minimum requirements of WCAG 2.2 Level A, and should aim to reach Level AA compliance, which is the standard required by most accessibility laws.
Who Must Comply with WCAG 2.2?
In the European Union (EAA):
Under the European Accessibility Act – Directive 2019/882, you must comply with WCAG 2.2 if your business offers digital services to consumers and is not a microenterprise.
A microenterprise is defined as:
- Fewer than 10 employees AND
- Annual turnover or balance sheet total under EUR 2 million
If you are above this threshold, and offer digital interfaces such as websites, booking systems, downloadable documents, or ecommerce, the EAA applies to you.
Covered sectors include:
- Ecommerce and online retail
- Healthcare (clinics, hospitals)
- Banking and financial services
- Transport (tickets, schedules)
- Education platforms
- SaaS platforms and public apps
In the United States (ADA):
- Any business with a public-facing website may face legal action if the site is not accessible. While the ADA does not name WCAG explicitly, WCAG 2.1 AA has become the legal benchmark in court cases.
In the United Kingdom:
- The Equality Act 2010 requires businesses to make services accessible through “reasonable adjustments.” WCAG is recognized as the appropriate technical standard.
Why WCAG 2.2 Compliance Matters for Your Business
Legal and Business Risks of Non-Compliance with WCAG 2.2
- Formal complaints from users or disability advocates
- Investigations by regulatory bodies (e.g., ANPC or CNCD in Romania)
- Exclusion from EU funding or contracts
- Accessibility lawsuits (especially in the U.S.)
- Reputational damage
- Site takedown requests in some jurisdictions
Broader Business Benefits
- Meeting WCAG rules doesn’t just protect you legally.
- It also helps your business grow.
- You’ll reach more users, improve mobile experiences, and boost your SEO.
- It also shows that your brand is responsible and inclusive.
Key Changes Introduced in WCAG 2.2
WCAG 2.2 includes nine new success criteria that expand upon WCAG 2.1. The most critical additions for businesses include:
2.4.11 – Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)
Keyboard focus must remain clearly visible and not be hidden by sticky headers, modals, or overlays.
2.5.7 – Dragging Movements
If your site uses drag-and-drop functionality, you must offer an alternative (e.g., “Move up” / “Move down” buttons).
2.5.8 – Target Size (Minimum)
All clickable elements must be at least 24×24 CSS pixels — this impacts buttons, icons, menu items, etc.
3.3.7 – Redundant Entry
Forms must not force users to re-enter information they’ve already submitted during a session.
3.2.6 – Consistent Help
Help options like contact links, FAQs, or chat widgets must appear in a consistent location across all relevant pages.
3.3.8 – Accessible Authentication (Minimum)
Login systems must be usable without requiring users to solve CAPTCHAs or remember passwords.
Learn more: See the full list of WCAG 2.2 success criteria on the official W3C site
What Doesn’t Count as Compliance?
Installing a plugin that adjusts contrast or text size is not enough.
- To be compliant, your site must:
- Allow keyboard-only navigation
- Have accessible forms and buttons
- Use proper heading structure and labels
- Pass automated and manual accessibility checks
Even if you are working toward compliance, it’s essential to document your progress and publish an Accessibility Statement.
How to Make Your Website WCAG 2.2 Compliant
Step 1: Audit Your Website
Use accessibility tools such as:
Step 2: Fix Critical Errors
Start with:
- Keyboard focus and tab order
- Mobile touch target sizes
- Form redundancy and visual labels
- Alt text for images
- Color contrast and readability
Step 3: Add an Accessibility Statement
- Clearly explain what you’ve done, and where you’re improving.
Step 4: Keep Records and Update
- Document audits, changes, tools used, and any feedback received.
Need technical steps?
Final Thoughts: WCAG 2.2 Is Now the Global Benchmark
If your business operates a public-facing website or digital platform in the European Union, the United States, or the United Kingdom, you are legally responsible for ensuring digital accessibility — either directly under law or through accepted technical standards.
- In the EU, WCAG 2.2 compliance is mandatory starting June 28, 2025, under the European Accessibility Act (for most businesses above microenterprise level).
- In the U.S., WCAG is the de facto standard for website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is used in thousands of lawsuits.
- In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires “reasonable adjustments” for disabled users, and WCAG is widely accepted as the technical gold standard.
Accessibility is not just a developer’s job — it’s a responsibility that affects legal risk, customer experience, and brand reputation across your entire organization.
Need Help Getting Compliant?
Xari helps businesses across the EU and U.S. ensure WCAG 2.2 compliance, reduce legal risk, and deliver inclusive, high-performing digital experiences.
- Full WCAG 2.2 audits
- Technical implementation
- Legal documentation and accessibility statements
- Optional ongoing compliance plans
