E-Government Act Austria
Overview
The E-Government Act Austria (E-Government-Gesetz or E-GovG) is a law designed to make online government services more accessible and user-friendly for everyone, including people with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that digital public services are easy to use, secure, and available to all citizens.
Key Provisions
- Accessibility Requirement - All government websites and digital services must be designed so that people with disabilities can use them without barriers. This includes compatibility with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and clear text alternatives for images.
- Electronic Signatures - The law supports the use of secure electronic signatures for official documents, making it easier to complete transactions online.
- Centralised Access - Government services should be conveniently available through a single online portal (like oesterreich.gv.at).
- Data Protection - Personal information shared with government agencies must be handled securely and in compliance with privacy laws.
- Technical Standards - Websites and apps must follow recognised accessibility guidelines (such as WCAG) to meet legal requirements.
Important Dates
- The law was originally enacted in 2004 and has been updated over time to reflect new technology and standards.
- Government agencies must ensure their digital services comply with accessibility rules without unnecessary delay.
Reference
This explanation is based on the official E-Government Act of Austria document. For the full legal text, visit:
https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=20003230