Regulations on Universal Design of ICT in Norway
What Is This Law About?
The Regulations on Universal Design of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Norway ensure that digital products and services are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The law requires that ICT solutions—like websites, apps, and software—must be designed so that all users, regardless of ability, can access and use them easily.
Key Requirements in Simple Terms
- Accessible Design: Websites, mobile apps, and other digital tools must follow universal design principles, meaning they should work for people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
- Compliance with Standards: ICT solutions must meet recognized accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Public Sector Obligation: Government agencies, public institutions, and some private organizations must ensure their digital services comply with these rules.
- User Testing: Developers should involve people with disabilities in testing to ensure accessibility.
Important Dates
- The regulation was introduced in 2013 and has been updated over time.
- Deadlines for compliance were set in phases, with full accessibility required for public sector websites and apps by 2021.
Conclusion
This explanation is based on the Norwegian government’s official document. For more details, you can read the full regulation here:
Regulations on Universal Design of ICT