Get your website ready for BITV

BITV – Ready to become complaint?

What is the BITV, and why is it important for your company?

The Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV) is a German regulation designed to ensure that public sector websites and mobile applications are accessible to people with disabilities, supporting equal participation in the digital world. In certain cases, it also applies to private companies that provide services to the public.

Organizations covered by the BITV are required to meet clear accessibility standards, including the WCAG 2.2 Level AA guidelines and the EN 301 549 standard for ICT accessibility.

Why it matters:
The BITV isn’t just a legal obligation. It’s part of a broader movement toward digital inclusion, responsibility, and usability for everyone. Companies that comply early not only reduce legal and reputational risks but also:

• Make their digital services usable for millions of people with disabilities

• Enhance the overall user experience for all customers

• Demonstrate visible commitment to accessibility and inclusion

• Position themselves as future-ready as accessibility becomes a market standard

In short: The BITV is more than compliance. It’s a framework for digital equality — and a competitive advantage for organizations that value user trust, reach, and long-term relevance.

Why should I comply with BITV? 

Complying with the Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV) is not just a legal requirement — it’s a strategic advantage. BITV sets clear accessibility standards for public sector websites and mobile applications in Germany, and in some cases, for private companies providing services to the public. Non-compliance can result in legal action, loss of public trust, and reputational damage.

By making your digital services accessible, you reach over 7.8 million people in Germany living with disabilities, expand your potential audience, and show a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Accessibility improvements also enhance usability for all users, boosting satisfaction and loyalty.

Acting now allows your organization to integrate accessibility from the start, avoid costly last-minute adjustments, and embed inclusivity into your long-term digital strategy. It positions your business as compliant, responsible, and ready for a future where accessibility is the norm.

When do I need to comply? 

If you’re a public sector organization in Germany, BITV compliance is already mandatory for your websites and mobile applications. Federal agencies have been required to meet these standards since 2019, and state-level deadlines vary but are largely in effect.

For private companies, BITV applies only in certain cases, such as when providing digital services to the public under specific contractual or legal obligations. However, with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) having taken effect on 28 June 2025, more private-sector services will fall under similar accessibility requirements — making early compliance with BITV a smart move.

In short:

• Public sector → Already in force

• Certain private providers → In force where applicable

• EAA alignment → 28 June 2025 expanded requirements

Acting now means you can ensure compliance, avoid risks, and integrate accessibility into your digital strategy well ahead of new regulations.

Who does the BITV affect?

The Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV) applies primarily to public sector bodies in Germany, as well as certain private entities that provide digital services to the public under specific legal or contractual obligations. Specifically, it covers:

• Public authorities – including federal, state, and local government agencies

• Publicly funded institutions – such as universities, libraries, and museums

• Public broadcasters – responsible for accessible digital media and services

• Private companies – when delivering digital services to the public on behalf of public bodies or under accessibility-related regulations

Exceptions:

Most private companies are not directly bound by BITV unless they meet the above criteria. However, they may still be indirectly affected — for example, when working with public sector clients or participating in tenders that require accessible digital solutions. Voluntary alignment with BITV standards is strongly encouraged as a best practice, particularly in anticipation of broader requirements under the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

The BITV applies to a wide range of digital assets and services, including:

• Websites and intranets

• Mobile applications

• Digital documents (PDFs, forms, reports)

• Online application and booking systems

• Digital media from public broadcasters

• E-learning platforms in public institutions

What does the BITV require (in line with WCAG)? 

BITV is based on the internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA, which define how digital content should be designed to be accessible to all people — including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA is a core requirement.

WCAG 2.2 is based on four key principles:

• Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways users can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for images, captions for video content, and ensuring content is adaptable and visually distinguishable (e.g. strong color contrast).

• Operable: All functionality must be available via keyboard — not just mouse or touch — and users must be given sufficient time to interact with content. Interfaces should avoid flashing elements that can trigger seizures and must help users navigate easily.

• Understandable: Content should be clear and predictable. This includes using plain language, labeling form fields properly, and making sure that pages behave in consistent ways across the site.

• Robust: Content must remain accessible as technologies evolve. This means compatibility with current and future browsers, screen readers, and other assistive tools must be ensured.

BITV also requires:

• An accessibility statement published on the website or app, explaining compliance status and offering a feedback mechanism.

• A feedback process so users can report accessibility issues and request accessible alternatives.

• Regular reviews and updates to ensure ongoing compliance.

In short: BITV turns WCAG principles into a legal framework in Germany, ensuring that digital public services — and certain private-sector offerings — are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.

How does Eye-Able® support compliance with the EAA?

Eye-Able® helps your company comply with the BITV by providing practical, easy-to-integrate digital accessibility solutions. Our software tools enhance website usability for all users through features like contrast adjustment, screen reader support, and text resizing — all in line with accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549.

We also offer detailed accessibility audits, generate legally required accessibility statements, and provide tailored recommendations to help you meet EAA requirements quickly and effectively. This way you turn the law from a challenge into an opportunity.

Beyond tools, Eye-Able® supports your long-term accessibility strategy with training for your teams, ongoing monitoring, and additional services like Plain Language translation and AI-based multilingual accessibility. With our all-in-one solution and expert support, you not only avoid legal risks — you build trust, reach more users, and position your company as a leader in digital inclusion.

Not sure where to start? Don't worry. We are here to help.