Act (2018:1937) on Accessibility to Digital Public Services in Sweden
What is this law about?
This law ensures that everyone — including people with disabilities — can access and use digital public services in Sweden.
It applies to websites, mobile applications, and digital documents provided by government agencies, municipalities, and other public sector organizations. The purpose of the law is to make sure no one is excluded from using public digital services because of accessibility barriers.
By requiring digital platforms to follow international accessibility standards (such as WCAG 2.1), the law promotes equal access, transparency, and participation for all citizens. It forms part of Sweden’s ongoing effort to build an inclusive digital society where technology serves everyone, regardless of ability.
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Key Requirements
1. Accessibility Standards
All public sector websites, mobile apps, and digital documents must meet the European Standard EN 301 549, which aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
- This ensures digital services are usable for everyone, including people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
- Accessibility features include:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Keyboard-friendly navigation
- Text alternatives for images and videos
- High-contrast text and clear, consistent layouts
These requirements guarantee that public services online are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.
2. Accessibility Statements
Every public sector organization must publish an accessibility statement on its website and apps.
- The statement must explain the current level of compliance with accessibility standards.
- It should list any known accessibility issues and provide contact information for users to request help or alternate formats.
- This statement must be reviewed and updated regularly, typically once a year.
This transparency allows citizens to understand how accessible each service is and how improvements are being made.
3. User Feedback and Complaints
Public bodies must provide an easy way for users to report accessibility issues or request accessible alternatives.
- Feedback channels (like forms or email) must themselves be accessible.
- Organizations are required to respond promptly and effectively to these complaints.
- If an issue is not resolved, users can escalate it to the Agency for Digital Government (DIGG), which oversees accessibility compliance in Sweden.
This process ensures accountability and continuous improvement.
4. Exemptions
Certain types of content are temporarily exempt from full accessibility requirements, including:
- Documents published before September 23, 2018 (unless they are actively used for administration).
- Live video broadcasts that are not archived.
- Password-protected platforms, such as internal systems or e-learning environments.
However, even when content is exempt, users can still request accessible versions or specific adaptations to meet their needs.
Important Dates
Year / Date | Milestone / Update | Focus / Notes |
|---|---|---|
January 1, 2019 | Law enacted in Sweden | Sweden formally implemented the EU Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102), requiring all public sector websites and mobile applications to be accessible. |
September 23, 2019 | Deadline for new websites | All new public sector websites published after this date must meet the WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards. |
September 23, 2020 | Deadline for existing websites | Older public sector websites must comply with accessibility requirements by this date. |
June 23, 2021 | Deadline for mobile applications | All public sector mobile apps must meet accessibility standards. |
June 28, 2025 | Private sector compliance deadline | Under the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882), private companies offering digital services such as e-commerce, banking, telecommunications, and transport must also comply with accessibility rules. |
Sweden’s digital accessibility law took effect on January 1, 2019, aligning with EU-wide standards to make online public services accessible to everyone. Over the following years, phased deadlines required compliance for websites and mobile apps.
By June 28, 2025, accessibility obligations will expand beyond the public sector — applying to private companies offering key digital services, ensuring equal access to information and technology across all sectors.
Conclusion
Non-compliance can result in fines. For example, Swedish organizations have faced penalties up to 1.1 million SEK for missing accessibility statements or unresolved issues.
This explanation is based on the official document and related resources. For the full legal text (in Swedish), refer to:
Reference Link.