The Accessibility of Public Sector Organisations Websites and Mobile Applications Act 2019 (Cyprus)
Overview
This law ensures that websites and mobile apps run by public sector organizations in Cyprus are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. It follows European Union (EU) accessibility standards to make sure digital services are easy to use for all citizens.
Key Requirements
1. Accessible Design – Public sector websites and apps must be designed so that people with disabilities (such as visual, hearing, or motor impairments) can use them without difficulty. This includes features like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and clear text alternatives for images.
2. Mobile Apps Included – The law applies not only to websites but also to mobile applications provided by government agencies and public institutions.
3. Compliance Deadlines
- New Websites (published after September 23, 2018) must comply by September 23, 2019.
- Older Websites (published before September 23, 2018) must comply by September 23, 2020.
- Mobile Applications must comply by June 23, 2021.
4. Accessibility Statement – Public sector organizations must publish an accessibility statement on their websites and apps, explaining how accessible they are and how users can report any issues.
5. Monitoring & Enforcement – Cyprus is required to regularly check public sector websites and apps for compliance and take action if they fail to meet accessibility standards.
Why This Law Matters
This law helps ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access important government services online without barriers. It promotes equal opportunities and better digital inclusion.
This explanation is based on the official document: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/PDF/?uri=NIM:271379