Global standards
Digital accessibility isn’t just a best practice, it’s a legal requirement in many parts of the world. While specific laws vary by country, most are based on the WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 guidelines, and they apply to websites, apps, documents, and other digital content.
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Scroll down to learn which laws apply to your region and how they connect to WCAG. These summaries help you identify what’s required—and where to start—whether you're working on internal docs, public websites, or digital products.
United States
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Applies to public and private organizations that serve the public.
WCAG 2.1 AA is the accepted standard in legal cases.
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Make your content accessible—or risk legal action.
🔗 Learn more
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Australia
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
Applies to all organizations that provide goods, services, or information to the public. WCAG 2.0 AA is the legal benchmark, though not named directly.
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Inaccessible content can be challenged under anti-discrimination law
🔗 Learn more
Canada
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Applies to public & private organizations in Ontario with 50+ employees.
Requires WCAG 2.0 AA for websites & digital content.
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Noncompliance can result in fines.
🔗 Learn more
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Japan
JIS X 8341-3
Applies to public websites; private organizations are encouraged to comply.
Aligned with WCAG 2.0 AA.
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Focuses on digital inclusion and accessibility for an aging population.
🔗 Learn more (Japanese language)
United Kingdom
Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations
Applies to public sector websites and mobile apps in the UK.
Requires WCAG 2.1 AA compliance & a published accessibility statement.
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Audit your content & publish an accessibility statement
🔗 Learn more
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India
Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Act (RPwD), 2016
Applies to government and private sector entities providing public services. Mandates adherence to accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.0.
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Ensure digital content is accessible to avoid legal repercussions.
🔗 Learn more
European Union
EN 301 549 / European Accessibility Act
Applies to public sector websites, mobile apps, and digital services.
Built on WCAG 2.1 AA, with additional tech-specific requirements.
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Ensure digital content meets POUR standards across platforms.
🔗 Learn more
New Zealand
NZ Government Web Accessibility Standards
Applies to all public sector websites and digital services. Requires compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA.
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Follow NZ's official standards to build accessible, user-friendly content.
🔗 Learn more
What do these laws require?
Most countries don’t create their own accessibility rules. They reference WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) as the international standard, and the law tells you who must follow it, how to stay compliant, and what happens if you don’t. Here’s what laws usually include:​​
The standard
Nearly all accessibility laws point to WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 Level AA as the benchmark for accessible content.
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Who must comply
Laws vary by region. Some apply to government agencies, while others include private businesses, especially those over a certain size or serving the public.
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Deadlines & enforcement
Many laws set specific timelines for compliance, require accessibility statements, and outline penalties for noncompliance, ranging from fines to legal action.
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Local requirements
Some countries provide additional guidance, like plain language expectations, sector-specific rules, or official testing and reporting processes.