Digital Accessibility: What Really Changes with the New AgID Regulation (and Why 2026 Will Be the Year of Enforcement)

On May 16, 2026, the Italian Digital Agency (AgID) published a new Regulation set to significantly change how digital accessibility is monitored and enforced in Italy.

This is Determination no. 84/2026, a measure that introduces a clearer, more structured, and—most importantly—operational system for checks and sanctions related to two key regulatory pillars:

• Law no. 4/2004 (the “Stanca Law”)

• Legislative Decree no. 82/2022, implementing the European Accessibility Act

This is not just a technical update—it marks a real shift in approach.

One unified system: the end of fragmentation

One of the most important aspects of the Regulation is the unification of the legal framework.

Until now, digital accessibility was governed by separate instruments, with distinct and often overlapping procedures. The new Regulation overcomes this complexity by introducing a single framework for websites, mobile apps, and digital services.

This means:

• less interpretative ambiguity

• less bureaucracy

• greater clarity for businesses and public administrations

For companies, this is a key turning point: rules are now simpler—but also much harder to ignore.

A more concrete approach: compliance first, then sanctions

The new enforcement system is structured in two phases.

1. Pre-investigation phase (preventive)

AgID analyses:

• citizens’ reports and complaints

• monitoring results on websites and digital services

During this phase, organizations are invited to comply.

This creates a model that rewards those who act quickly.

2. Sanctioning phase

If no action is taken, the process moves forward:

• formal notice of violation

• compliance order

• start of enforcement proceedings

Clear timelines are established and the right to defense is guaranteed.

The approach is straightforward:
not immediate punishment, but firm action in cases of continued non-compliance.

Citizens become key players

One of the most impactful elements of the Regulation is the active role given to users.

Enforcement is no longer driven only by AgID, but increasingly by:
👉 citizens’ reports and complaints

How it works:

• for websites and apps → via the feedback mechanism in the accessibility statement

• for digital services → via a dedicated AgID platform

This fundamentally changes the landscape:
accessibility is no longer just a regulatory requirement,
but becomes a real, user-driven experience.

💡 In practice:
any user can trigger a review.

Sanctions: less theory, more enforcement

Sanctions have existed for some time, but with this Regulation they become more tangible.

• up to 5% of turnover for large companies

• up to €30,000–€40,000 for SMEs

• in addition to potential reputational damage

A key point: sanctions are applied only after failure to comply.

However, the message is clear. During Accessibility Days 2026, AgID’s Director General explicitly stated: “this will be the year of enforcement”

European Accessibility Act: direct impact on businesses

The Regulation also strengthens the implementation of the European Accessibility Act, which affects multiple sectors:

• e-commerce

• banking services

• electronic communications

• transport

• e-books and digital content

This means accessibility is no longer limited to public administration or a few large players. It now affects an increasing number of private companies.

What companies should do (now)

In this context, waiting is no longer an option. Organizations should already:

✅ Assess their accessibility status: identify real issues—not just formal compliance gaps

✅ Prepare for user reports: because they will come—that’s built into the system

✅ Enable a direct feedback channel: even where not strictly required, it is strongly recommended

💡 A key point: users don’t want to file complaints - they simply want to access services without barriers.

A shift in mindset

This Regulation marks a real turning point. Digital accessibility:

• is no longer just a legal requirement

• is no longer just about “compliance”

It is about service quality, user experience, and corporate responsibility. And for the first time, there is a concrete system that makes this principle truly enforceable.

Conclusion

Italy confirms itself as one of the most advanced countries in Europe on digital accessibility—but is now entering a new phase: practical enforcement.

For companies, now is the time to act: not only to avoid penalties, but to build better, more inclusive, and sustainable digital experiences.