Everyone’s Public Website Operational Guidelines (2016) - Japan
Overview
The Everyone’s Public Website Operational Guidelines (2016) is a set of rules created by the Japanese government to make sure that public websites are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can easily access and use government and public-sector websites.
Key Provisions & Requirements
1. Accessibility Standards:
- Public websites must follow accessibility standards so that people with visual, hearing, or motor impairments can use them without difficulty.
- This includes providing text alternatives for images, captions for videos, and keyboard-friendly navigation.
2. Clear & Simple Design:
- Websites should be easy to read and navigate, with clear fonts, proper color contrast, and logical layouts.
3. Compatibility with Assistive Technologies:
- Websites must work well with screen readers, voice recognition software, and other tools that help people with disabilities browse the internet.
4. Regular Checks & Updates:
- Government agencies must regularly review and improve their websites to maintain accessibility.
5. Public Feedback:
- Users should be able to report accessibility issues, and agencies must respond to these concerns.
Important Dates
- Enacted: April 2016
- Compliance Deadline: Government agencies were expected to follow these guidelines as soon as possible after the release.
This explanation is based on the official document from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. For more details, you can read the full guidelines here: https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/joho_tsusin/eng/Releases/Telecommunications/160420_01.html