*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Web accessibility is a vital global issue aimed at ensuring equal access to the internet and digital content for all. As the number of people with disabilities, the elderly, and temporarily restricted users increases, countries worldwide are actively working to improve the accessibility of websites and applications. This article provides an in-depth look at the policies, guidelines, and specific efforts in web accessibility across different nations.
1. United States: Strong Accessibility Through ADA and WCAG
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) forms the foundation of accessibility. This law protects the right of people with disabilities to access public facilities and services, including websites. Additionally, Section 508 requires that federal government websites and electronic information be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have also been adopted as accessibility standards, and many companies and public institutions follow these guidelines to improve web content. In recent years, ADA-related lawsuits have increased, leading companies to pay closer attention to web accessibility.
Key Initiatives:
- Federal government websites must comply with Section 508.
- Many companies aim for WCAG compliance to avoid litigation risks.
- Rising ADA-related lawsuits have heightened awareness of accessibility.
2. European Union (EU): Unified Standards Through the Web Accessibility Directive
The European Union has implemented the Web Accessibility Directive to promote web accessibility across member states. This directive mandates that public sector websites and mobile apps within the EU adhere to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
The EU also provides a framework for users to report or file complaints regarding website accessibility, and member states have structured their national laws in line with this directive. This results in a unified standard across the EU, ensuring equal access to digital services for all users.
Key Initiatives:
- Public sector websites must comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA under the Web Accessibility Directive.
- Implementation of monitoring and reporting systems for accessibility.
- Member states are required to make public digital resources accessible by national law.
3. United Kingdom: Advanced Initiatives Through the Equality Act and GOV.UK
In the UK, the Equality Act of 2010 establishes a fundamental framework for accessibility. This law ensures that all individuals, including those with disabilities, are protected from discrimination and applies to website accessibility as well. The UK government’s GOV.UK website complies fully with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, featuring a design and content structure that is easy for all users to navigate.
GOV.UK’s simple, accessible design is seen as a model for web accessibility worldwide. In addition, private companies are also expected to adhere to accessibility standards, and many are taking steps to meet these expectations.
Key Initiatives:
- The Equality Act mandates accessible websites for both public institutions and private companies.
- GOV.UK, which adheres to WCAG 2.1 Level AA, is recognized as a model for user-friendly websites.
- High awareness of accessibility in both public and private sectors.
4. Japan: JIS X 8341-3 and the Move Toward Accessibility Legislation
In Japan, the JIS X 8341-3 standard provides a guideline for web accessibility. Based on WCAG but tailored to meet Japanese users’ needs, this standard is especially required for government and public sector websites.
Recently, accessibility efforts have also been advancing in the private sector, with many large companies adopting JIS X 8341-3-compliant designs. Additionally, under the Act on Elimination of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities, private companies are expected to offer reasonable accommodations in their digital content, making it accessible to people with disabilities. In April 2024, Japan mandated that private companies offer reasonable accommodations for digital accessibility.
Key Initiatives:
- Implementation of web accessibility standards based on JIS X 8341-3.
- Government and public sector websites must comply with accessibility standards.
- Accessibility measures are progressing in the private sector, with mandatory reasonable accommodations starting in April 2024 under anti-discrimination laws.
5. South Korea: Enhanced Initiatives Through KWCAG and the Disability Discrimination Act
In South Korea, the Disability Discrimination Act forms the basis for accessibility compliance. This law requires that websites and electronic information be accessible to people with disabilities, with particular focus on public institutions and large companies.
South Korea has also developed its own web accessibility guidelines, KWCAG (Korean Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), which are promoted under government leadership. Additionally, major IT companies and online platforms are strengthening their accessibility measures, making digital services more user-friendly.
Key Initiatives:
- Accessibility compliance is mandatory for all public institutions and large companies under the Disability Discrimination Act.
- Development of KWCAG, which adapts accessibility standards to local needs.
- Major IT companies lead in advancing accessibility.
Conclusion
Web accessibility is being promoted worldwide based on policies, laws, and guidelines to ensure equal access in the digital society. The United States and Europe have established strong legal frameworks, while countries like South Korea and Japan have developed their own standards to advance accessibility.
As these efforts and technologies continue to evolve, a future where everyone can access information and services online equally will come closer to reality.
We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.