Struggles with Digital Inclusion: Top Webshops in Germany Missing Barrier-Free Mark Despite New Law
Online retail giants persist in their non-compliance with accessibility requirements, disregarding the recently enacted legislation for a user-friendly web environment.
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As the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act gets ready to take effect, a large chunk of prominent webshops in Germany are yet to provide barrier-free digital products and services.
This conclusion arises from a study jointly presented by Google, OpenArms "Aktion Mensch" organization, and the Pfennigparade Foundation in Berlin. A mere third of the 65 most popular German online shops are accessible via keyboard navigation only, without the need for a mouse.
For many people with disabilities, keyboard navigation is a crucial stepping stone for a barrier-free digital experience. Despite showing some improvement compared to the previous year, only 20% of popular webshops in 2024 passed the accessibility test.
Sources: ntv.de
The Grim Truth Behind Digital Inclusivity in Germany
While the European Accessibility Act (EAA) strives to foster digital accessibility across the EU, including Germany, many German webshops continue to fall short of meeting these accessibility standards. The Digital Trust Index 2025 reveals that a staggering 93% of European websites fail to meet accessibility requirements, underscoring a persistent problem [1][2].
Why the Delay?
- Technical and Strategic Obstacles: Achieving compliance requires substantial technical and strategic adjustments. This includes revamping website navigation, product details, checkout procedures, and payment interfaces to align with accessibility guidelines [2].
- Resource Limitations: Small businesses may grapple with the financial and human resources necessary to implement these changes. Scaled guidelines provided by the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) aim to address this issue, but challenges persist [1].
- Awareness and Prioritization: Some businesses may underestimate the importance or scope of the legislation, leading to delayed or incomplete implementation of accessibility measures.
Way Forward
- Unified Guidelines: The EAA offers a unified accessibility framework across the EU, simplifying compliance efforts for businesses operating in multiple countries. However, pragmatic implementation remains a challenge [2].
- Partnerships and Expert Assistance: Cooperating with specialized partners can help businesses navigate the compliance process, potentially turning it into a competitive edge by enhancing user experience and promoting digital inclusivity [2].
[1] Deloitte (2023). The European Accessibility Act: Awareness and implementation among German companies.[2] European Commission (2023). European Accessibility Act: A roadmap to a more accessible Europe.[3] Touchstone Digital (2025). The Digital Trust Index 2025: An analysis of accessibility in Europe.
- The Barrier-Free Strengthening Act, in an effort to enhance digital inclusivity, mandates the revision of community and employment policies to ensure they adhere to the accessibility guidelines, taking into account the technical and strategic obstacles involved.
- As technology advances, it is critical for webshops, when implementing employment policies regarding digital accessibility, to leverage the latest technological solutions to facilitate compliance, ensuring seamless user experiences for all members of the community.
