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 apps, and digital documents provided by government agencies, municipalities, and other public sector bodies. The goal is to make sure no one is excluded from using these services due to accessibility barriers 15.
Key Requirements
- Accessibility Standards: Public sector digital services must meet the European standard EN 301 549, which aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA (a set of guidelines for making web content accessible). This includes features like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and clear text alternatives for images 15.
- Accessibility Statements: Organizations must publish an annual statement explaining how accessible their services are and how users can report problems 58.
- User Feedback: Users must be able to report accessibility issues, and public bodies must address these complaints promptly 59.
- Exemptions: Some content (e.g., pre-2018 documents or password-protected learning platforms) is temporarily exempt, but users can still request adaptations for specific needs 6.
Important Dates
- Enacted: January 1, 2019 5.
- Private Sector Deadline: By June 28, 2025, private companies offering services like e-commerce, banking, or transport must also comply with similar accessibility rules under the European Accessibility Act 5.
What Happens if the Law Isn’t Followed?
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 5.
This explanation is based on the official document and related resources. For the full legal text (in Swedish), refer to:
Reference Link.