Featured Product

    EC Reviews Impact of Web Accessibility Directive, Sets Out Learnings

    December 07, 2022

    The European Commission (EC) published the review of the application of the Web Accessibility Directive. The study evaluated effects of the implementation of Web Accessibility Directive. The aim was to assess the extent to which the Directive and its implementing decisions have achieved its objectives, conclude on the effects of the Directive, and identify key lessons learned to draw recommendations for future policy developments.

    The analysis shows that the Directive has improved access to public sector websites and mobile apps in the last three years, though people with disabilities are still experiencing difficulties. It suggests that cross-border provision of accessibility tools is available and can be expected to increase. Despite all member states having set up a formal enforcement procedure and nominating a designated enforcement body, the use of the enforcement procedure has not yet reached its full potential. The review of technological advances showed that automated or efficient and easy-to implement means through artificial intelligence and machine learning is increasingly used in tools relevant for digital accessibility, helping to make accessibility easier for some types of content currently excluded from the scope of the Directive.

    The study identifies the following key learnings and recommendations, which could be considered in view of future policy initiatives related to web accessibility:

    • Shortage of digital accessibility expertise in both public and private sectors can be addressed by increasing training opportunities, introducing compulsory accessibility modules for information and communication technology (ICT) curriculum in universities, and professional certifications, including for people with disabilities aiming to work as accessibility experts.
    • Raising awareness and promoting the use of feedback and enforcement mechanisms can benefit all stakeholders, by pointing out accessibility issues to public sector bodies and by making content accessible to users.
    • Based on the analysis of monitoring reports, a clear reporting structure (for example, a common template) at the EU level should be introduced to increase the coherence of reporting among member states. This would make the monitoring exercise more efficient for reporting authorities and more consistent across countries. In addition, it will facilitate the comparison of the results and make it possible to measure progress over time.
    • Refine the definition of compliance status in order to streamline the monitoring of member states and obtain more useful and comparable results.

     

    Related Links

     

    Keywords: Europe, EU, Banking, Regtech, Diversity and Inclusion, Digital Accessibility, Web Acessibility Directive, EC

    Related Articles
    News

    ISSB Sustainability Standards Expected to Become Global Baseline

    The finalization of the two sustainability disclosure standards—IFRS S1 and IFRS S2—is expected to be a significant step forward in the harmonization of sustainability disclosures worldwide.

    September 18, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    IOSCO, BIS, and FSB to Intensify Focus on Decentralized Finance

    Decentralized finance (DeFi) is expected to increase in prominence, finding traction in use cases such as lending, trading, and investing, without the intermediation of traditional financial institutions.

    September 18, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    BCBS Assesses NSFR and Large Exposures Rules in US

    The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) published reports that assessed the overall implementation of the net stable funding ratio (NSFR) and the large exposures rules in the U.S.

    September 14, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    Global Agencies Focus on ESG Data, Climate Litigation and Nature Risks

    At the global level, supervisory efforts are increasingly focused on addressing climate risks via better quality data and innovative use of technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.

    September 14, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    ISSB Standards Shine Spotlight on Comparability of ESG Disclosures

    The finalization of the IFRS sustainability disclosure standards in late June 2023 has brought to the forefront the themes of the harmonization of sustainability disclosures

    August 22, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    EBA Issues Several Regulatory and Reporting Updates for Banks

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) recently issued several regulatory publications impacting the banking sector.

    August 10, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    BCBS Proposes to Revise Core Principles for Banking Supervision

    The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) launched a consultation on revisions to the core principles for effective banking supervision, with the comment period ending on October 06, 2023.

    August 04, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    US Proposes Final Basel Rules, Transition Period to Start in July 2025

    The U.S. banking agencies (FDIC, FED, and OCC) recently proposed rules implementing the final Basel III reforms, also known as the Basel III Endgame.

    August 04, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    FSB Report Outlines Next Steps for Climate Risk Roadmap

    The Financial Stability Board (FSB) recently published the second annual progress report on the July 2021 roadmap to address climate-related financial risks.

    August 04, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    News

    EBA Plans on Ad-hoc ESG Data Collection and Climate Scenario Exercise

    The recognition of climate change as a systemic risk to the global economy has further intensified regulatory and supervisory focus on monitoring of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks.

    July 31, 2023 WebPage Regulatory News
    RESULTS 1 - 10 OF 8931