The European Accessibility Act 2025: What it means for digital and video content  

Understanding the European Accessibility Act 

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a transformative regulation designed to improve digital accessibility across the European Union (EU). Set to take effect on June 28, 2025, the EAA mandates that businesses providing digital content, platforms, and services ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Similarly, in the U.S., Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been updated to establish stricter digital accessibility requirements, reinforcing the global push for inclusive online experiences. Organizations that fail to comply risk financial penalties and even removal from the EU market. 

For businesses in broadcasting, streaming, e-learning, and e-commerce, this legislation requires major changes to content delivery and accessibility workflows. From captioning requirements to assistive technology integration, companies must take steps now to avoid compliance issues later. 

Who needs to comply? 

The EAA applies to both EU-based businesses and global organizations serving EU residents, impacting a wide range of industries, including: 

• Broadcasters and streaming platforms, such as video-on-demand services and live-streaming platforms 

• E-learning providers, including EdTech companies, universities, and online training platforms 

• E-commerce and digital service providers offering content, products, or customer support via websites and mobile apps 

• Public sector organizations that must ensure accessibility for all citizens 

[See how Kaltura can help with compliance] 

Key accessibility requirements under the EAA 

The European Accessibility Act establishes strict guidelines to ensure that digital and video content is accessible to people with disabilities. Businesses must integrate inclusive design principles across their platforms, with a particular focus on audiovisual content, navigation, and user interfaces. 

Some of the core accessibility requirements include: 

• Captions and subtitles – All audiovisual content must include accurate captions to support individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

• Audio descriptions – Videos should provide descriptive narration to enhance accessibility for visually impaired users. 

• Screen reader compatibility – Websites, platforms, and applications must be fully navigable via assistive technologies such as screen readers. 

• Keyboard navigation – Digital services must be usable without a mouse, ensuring accessibility for individuals with motor impairments. 

• Clear and intuitive UI – Platforms must feature well-structured content, proper color contrast, and easy-to-navigate interfaces to accommodate users with cognitive or visual impairments. 

For broadcasters and video platforms, captioning and subtitling are now mandatory, requiring updates to technology, workflows, and compliance monitoring. Many organizations will need to invest in AI-driven accessibility tools, train teams on best practices, and conduct regular audits to meet evolving legal standards.  

Beyond the EAA: ADA Title II digital accessibility update (2026) 

While the EAA focuses on the EU, accessibility regulations are also expanding in the United States. In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) updated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to establish new digital accessibility standards for state and local governments. 

These regulations require all websites, mobile apps, and digital content to align with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Video and audio-based materials must include closed captions and audio descriptions, ensuring content is accessible to all users. 

Organizations will need to meet the following deadlines: 

• Large entities (50,000+ people): Compliance by April 24, 2026 

• Smaller entities: Compliance by April 26, 2027 

The cost of non-compliance 

Failure to comply with EAA and ADA requirements can have serious consequences, including: 

• Financial penalties of up to €1,000,000 per violation 

• Market removal, as non-compliant services can be banned from the European market 

• Legal risks and reputational damage, leading to loss of customer trust and potential lawsuits 

Organizations that prioritize accessibility not only avoid these risks but also create better user experiences, expand their reach, and reinforce their commitment to inclusivity. 

How Kaltura supports EAA compliance 

At Kaltura, we are committed to helping businesses and organizations meet EAA requirements with a suite of AI-powered video and streaming solutions that make accessibility seamless. Our platform provides: 

• Live and on-demand captioning to ensure real-time and post-production accessibility 

• Audio descriptions to enhance video accessibility for visually impaired users 

• Screen reader-friendly video players and platform interfaces for seamless navigation 

• Multi-language subtitle support to expand inclusivity across global audiences 

• Seamless compliance integration with accessibility frameworks for efficient implementation 

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By leveraging Kaltura’s solutions, businesses can streamline compliance, improve audience engagement, and future-proof their digital content strategies. Our AI-powered tools not only ensure regulatory adherence but also enhance the overall user experience, making content more accessible, interactive, and inclusive. 

Next steps: Ensuring compliance 

To stay ahead of accessibility regulations, businesses should take proactive steps to ensure compliance before the 2025 and 2026 deadlines. 

Action plan for accessibility compliance: 

1. Conduct a full accessibility audit to identify gaps in compliance 
2. Develop a strategic roadmap outlining necessary updates and investments 
3. Upgrade accessibility technology, such as AI-driven captioning and assistive tool integration 
4. Train teams on accessibility best practices to ensure sustainable compliance 
5. Stay updated on evolving regulations and adjust workflows accordingly 

Preparing for June 2025 and beyond 

The EAA deadline is fast approaching, and businesses in broadcasting, e-learning, and digital content delivery must act now to ensure compliance. Implementing the right tools and strategies will not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance user experience and engagement. 

Kaltura is here to help businesses navigate these regulations and optimize digital content accessibility—ensuring that inclusivity is not just a legal requirement but a competitive advantage. 

Partner with Kaltura to ensure your digital content meets the highest accessibility standards. Our solutions empower businesses to create, manage, and deliver inclusive video experiences without complexity. Contact us today to learn more about how Kaltura can help your organization prepare for the European Accessibility Act 2025. 

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Learn more about video accessibility at Kaltura here.