Hungary

LXXV of 2018 law on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector organizations, Hungary’s digital accessibility regulation, is governed by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology.

What it includes

The digital accessibility regulation in Hungary is designed to ensure that websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This regulation covers all digital content that these public entities produce that serve the public or provide essential information related to their public duties.

The intention is to make digital interfaces user-friendly and inclusive, promoting equal access to digital resources and services offered by the government. The Act applies to content on websites and mobile applications created by public sector organizations. This coverage extends to all digital services and information provided by such entities to ensure accessibility and compliance with the Act’s provisions.

Exceptions

• Pre-existing content: Documents and files published before the regulation’s enforcement are exempt unless they are essential for administrative processes or provide critical information related to public duties
• Archived content: Historical digital content that is not in active use and serves only archival purposes is not required to be made accessible
• Non-controlled third-party content: Content that is neither financed nor controlled by public sector bodies does not fall under these regulations
• Media exceptions: Certain types of media, like online maps and specific broadcasting content, are also exempted due to the challenges associated with making them accessible
• Educational and media institutions: Institutions such as public service media, schools, and kindergartens are exempt from these regulations for their digital content, provided the content does not pertain directly to fulfilling their public duties

Fines and penalties

Penalties for accessibility regulation non-compliance begin at HUF 15,000 for minor infractions, with fines increasing based on the severity of the violation. For more serious breaches, additional fines can be imposed, with a cap set at 5% of an economic operator’s annual net sales, up to a maximum of HUF 500 million. In cases of on-going or willful non-compliance, further financial restrictions may be applied, potentially limiting the operator’s ability to conduct business until full compliance is achieved.

Reporting

Hungary follows the EU-wide mandate for accessibility statements on public sector websites and digital services. These statements are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability.

This statement must be publicly available on their websites and provide clear information on the accessibility status of their digital services, such as whether they meet the required standards or outline existing accessibility issues. The statement should also detail the measures taken to improve accessibility, including any ongoing efforts or plans for remediation. Additionally, the accessibility statement must specify how users can report accessibility problems and request assistance, ensuring that organizations remain accountable and transparent in their commitment to accessible digital experiences.

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