Austria

The Accessibility Act and Amendment to the Social Ministry Service Act (Bundesgesetz, mit dem ein Barrierefreiheitsgesetz erlassen sowie das Sozialministeriumservicegesetz geändert wird) is overseen by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

What it includes

• General-purpose computer hardware and operating systems for consumers
• Specific self-service terminals, including payment terminals, ATMs, ticket machines, check-in machines, and interactive information terminals (excluding those integrated into vehicles)
• Consumer terminals with interactive functionality for electronic communications and audiovisual media services
• E-readers
• Electronic communications services (with some exclusions)
• Services enabling audiovisual media access
• Transport service elements (excluding urban, suburban, and regional transport), including websites and mobile services, e-tickets and travel information (limited to interactive screens within the EU), and interactive self-service terminals (excluding those integrated into vehicles)
• Banking services
• E-books and related software
• E-commerce services

Exceptions

• Sections of the Copyright Act and EU regulations on cross-border exchange of accessible formats for blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled persons
• Self-service terminals in use may continue to operate until June 28, 2040, or up to 20 years after first use
• Content on websites and mobile applications exempted if it includes:

• Sections of the Copyright Act and EU regulations on cross-border exchange of accessible formats for blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled persons
• Self-service terminals in use may continue to operate until June 28, 2040, or up to 20 years after first use
• Content on websites and mobile applications exempted if it includes:

Fines and penalties

Non-compliance with the Austrian Accessibility Act may result in fines up to 80,000 euros. For cases involving micro-enterprises (under Section 3(19)) or small and medium-sized enterprises (under Section 3(20)), the fine is adjusted to cap at 50,000 euros. The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Regions, and Tourism has the authority to restrict or prohibit electronic communications networks and services, in whole or in part, under Article 52(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), with sufficient justification and notification to the European Commission.

Reporting

Austria follows the EU-wide mandate for accessibility statements on public sector websites and digital services. These accessibility statements are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability, and they include:

Telecommunication companies need to submit regular reports regarding service quality, accessibility, and compliance with regulations. These reports must address efforts to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities and adherence to the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Companies must also disclose any issues related to non-compliance and actions taken to correct them, ensuring transparency with regulatory bodies. Penalties may apply for failure to comply with reporting obligations.  

For the latest and most accurate information on digital accessibility requirements, please refer to the official documentation provided by the Austrian government.