As we move closer to 28 June 2025, a significant shift is coming to the digital landscape in the European Union. At the heart of this change is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at making the digital world more inclusive. It’s about more than just compliance; it’s about ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, can access and benefit from digital services. Think ticket machines, e-readers and banking apps but also some of the digital platforms we use in research. For any products and services that have already been placed on the market before, the legal requirements will come into force on 28 June 2030.
What’s Changing, and Why It Matters
While the Act primarily targets public-facing digital services, its reach extends to any platform that offers consumer-facing functionality. That includes public research panels and survey platforms, specifically those where participants can log in, manage personal details, or track incentives. For companies managing their own platforms, this means these systems will need to meet accessibility standards, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This includes for example, compatibility with screen readers, full keyboard navigation support, appropriate colour contrast for visual clarity and further adherence to the WCAG. For those working with third-party vendors, it means ensuring that partners are also prepared to comply.
Responsibility Is Shared
If your research relies on external providers, whether for hosting surveys, panels, or platforms, the legal responsibility may rest with them. But that doesn’t mean your hands are off the wheel. It’s crucial to build accessibility requirements into vendor contracts and ensure alignment across the full research experience. After all, your participants won’t know (or care) who built the backend, only whether they can use it.
Beyond Compliance: Doing Better Research
Yes, the EAA is a legal obligation. But it’s also an opportunity. When platforms are accessible, more people can participate in research. That means better representation across populations, more inclusive insights, and ultimately, better data. By designing for accessibility, we’re designing for quality, equity, and trust.
If you have any questions related to this act, please do not hesitate to reach out to public.affairs@esomar.org
