Understanding Italy's Stanca Act: A Simple Guide to Digital Accessibility
What is the Stanca Act?
The Stanca Act (officially *Law 4/2004*) is Italy’s landmark digital accessibility law, named after Lucio Stanca, a former Italian Minister for Innovation. Its goal is to ensure that people with disabilities can access online information and services just like everyone else. This law applies to websites, mobile apps, and other digital tools, making them usable for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
Key Provisions of the Law
1. Who Must Comply?
- Public sector organisations (e.g., government agencies, schools, municipalities).
- Private companies with annual revenues over €500 million or those providing public services (e.g., transport, telecoms).
2. Accessibility Requirements
- Digital content must be perceivable (e.g., text alternatives for images), operable (keyboard-friendly navigation), understandable (clear language), and robust (works with assistive technologies like screen readers).
- Websites and apps should meet the WCAG 2.1 AA standards, a globally recognised accessibility guideline.
3. Enforcement & Penalties
- The Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) monitors compliance.
- Non-compliance can lead to fines up to 5% of annual revenue or corrective orders.
4. Important Deadlines
- The law was enacted in 2004 and updated over time (e.g., 2013, 2020) to align with EU standards.
- By June 28, 2025, stricter rules under the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will apply, expanding requirements for private businesses.
Conclusion
The Stanca Act isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about inclusion. Accessible design benefits everyone, from users with disabilities to older adults or those with temporary impairments. It also improves brand reputation and avoids legal risks.
This explanation is based on the official documentation from the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID). For more details, visit: https://www.agid.gov.it/