Decree No. 2019-768 – France: Web Accessibility Law Explained Simply
What Is This Law About?
Decree No. 2019-768 is a French law that requires websites and mobile apps from public sector organizations to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that digital services can be used by all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
Key Requirements of the Law
1. Accessibility Standards
- Websites and apps must follow the RGAA (Référentiel Général d’Amélioration de l’Accessibilité), France’s official accessibility guidelines based on international standards (WCAG 2.1).
- This includes features like readable text, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and clear video captions.
2. Who Must Comply?
- All public sector organizations in France, including government agencies, local authorities, and public institutions.
- Some private companies providing public services may also need to comply.
3. Deadlines for Compliance
- New websites created after September 23, 2019, had to be accessible immediately.
- Existing websites had to meet accessibility standards by September 23, 2020.
- Mobile apps needed to comply by June 23, 2021.
4. Accessibility Statement
- Organizations must publish an accessibility statement on their website, explaining how accessible their site is and how users can report issues.
5. Enforcement & Penalties
- If a website or app fails to meet accessibility rules, users can file a complaint.
- The government can require organizations to fix accessibility problems.
Why Is This Important?
This law ensures that people with disabilities
- such as visual, hearing, or motor impairments
- can access essential online services just like everyone else.
This explanation is based on the official document:
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000038811937/