Act No. 424/2023 Coll., imposes an obligation to ensure digital accessibility to company websites, applications, and platforms that are publicly accessible and operated by companies with more than 10 employees or a turnover of more than EUR 2 million. Failure to comply with this obligation can have serious consequences. Here is an overview of the main ones, supplemented with real-life examples that have already occurred around the world.
Act No. 424/2023 Coll., effective from June 28, 2025, imposes an obligation to ensure digital accessibility to company websites, applications, and platforms that are publicly accessible and operated by companies with more than 10 employees or a turnover of more than EUR 2 million. Failure to comply with this obligation can have serious consequences. And it's not just about fines – there are more risks involved. Here is an overview of the main ones, supplemented with real-life examples that have already occurred around the world.
1. Risk of sanctions and administrative proceedings
The law itself does not specify the amount of fines, but refers to supervisory authorities (e.g., ČOI, ČTÚ, ÚNMZ). In practice, there is a risk of:
- a request for correction and proof of accessibility
- a ban on providing services (especially if it is demonstrably discriminatory)
- imposition of a fine – up to CZK 10 million, according to the EAA directive
Not sure if the law applies to you?
Read: EAA 2025 – What the new law brings and who must take action.
Practical examples:
USA (2019): The well-known Domino's Pizza chain faced a lawsuit because a blind customer was unable to order pizza through their app. The dispute ended up in the Supreme Court, which confirmed that digital accessibility falls under the ADA anti-discrimination law. The company had to modify the app and pay court costs. This amounted to millions of Czech crowns.
2. Loss of trust and negative publicity
An inaccessible website can trigger:
- a wave of criticism on social media
- an official complaint to the supervisory authority
- reputational damage – the brand may be perceived as insensitive or "out of touch"
Case from the US (2020): More than 2,400 companies faced lawsuits due to inaccessible websites – often minor issues (e.g., missing text on a button) that had a huge media impact. (CZK 460,000–1,150,000 per case)
3. Loss of contracts or exclusion from tenders
If you supply to the public or regulated sector, you must demonstrate accessibility when submitting your bid.
An inaccessible website or application can lead to:
- exclusion from the tender process,
- loss of trust on the part of the contracting authority,
- additional costs for urgent modifications.
Are you planning a new website or redesign?
Read: 5 steps to an accessible website
Spain – Vueling Airlines (2024): Vueling Airlines was fined €90,000 (approximately CZK 2.2 million) for its website not being accessible to users with disabilities.
In addition, the court banned the company from receiving public subsidies for a period of six months.
4. User complaints and legal risks
Accessibility is legally defined as part of equal access to services.
An inaccessible website can lead to:
- a complaint under anti-discrimination law
- a complaint to the ombudsman or supervisory authority
- media or legal pressure with reputational impact
And often it is not intentional – but negligence that has legal consequences.
Switzerland – Swiss Airlines and Swisscom: In Switzerland, companies such as Swiss Airlines, Swisscom, and UBS have been under pressure and faced complaints and legal action due to insufficient digital accessibility.
This resulted in lost business and damage to their reputation, particularly with foreign partners who demanded accessible digital services.
5. Additional costs for modifications
Accessibility is cheapest to implement during the design phase. If you only address it under pressure, you can expect:
expensive interventions in the structure, code, and content
lengthy testing and debugging
stress from inspections, tenders, and public pressure
Real-life example: A British public institution had to replace its entire content management system because the old one could not be adapted to WCAG 2.1—and no developer wanted to work with it anymore.
What we recommend
If you:
- are preparing a new website
- are planning a redesign or a major functional change
- are not sure whether the law applies to you...
Start addressing accessibility in good time. It's not just about following the rules – it's about brand resilience, user trust, and readiness for the future.
Are you interested in what accessibility can do for you?
Read: Accessibility as an advantage: UX, SEO, and higher conversion rates
What we can do for you
Accessibility audit
You will get a clear overview of technical and content issues – as well as recommendations based on WCAG.
Order an audit
Accessible solution design
We will design modifications or a new website to comply with the law and user expectations.
Design a solution
Consultation with an expert
We will discuss what approach makes sense in your case. Objectively and specifically.
Digital accessibility is now the norm – not the exception.
If you ignore it, the law may catch up with you.
If you address it in time, it will strengthen your website and your brand.