Web Accessibility Laws Now Carry Real Penalties — Overlays Won't Save You

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The European Accessibility Act has been enforced since June 28, 2025, applying to any business serving EU customers, while a US Department of Justice rule requires public bodies to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 2026. Non-compliance carries serious financial risk, with EAA penalties reaching 5% of annual turnover and ADA settlements costing tens of thousands of dollars. WCAG 2.1 AA — organized around the principles of being Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust — is the technical standard underpinning both regulations. Accessibility overlay widgets, often marketed as a one-line JavaScript fix, have proven ineffective, with a 2025 FTC fine of $1 million issued to a leading vendor and courts consistently rejecting installed widgets as proof of compliance. Experts recommend building accessibility in from the start through correct semantic HTML, keyboard operability, sufficient color contrast, and properly labeled forms rather than relying on after-the-fact patches.

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