Portugal

Decree-Law No. 83/2018 mandates digital accessibility for people with disabilities in Portugal. It is overseen by the Agency for Administrative Modernization.

What it includes

Under the Portuguese regulation, it is mandatory for all content on websites and applications provided by certain entities to be accessible, regardless of the device used to access it. In terms of the scope of ‘content’ – it is broad – encompassing a variety of forms such as textual and non-textual elements, items available for download, multimedia components, geographical maps, authentication processes, various services, and online forms. This wide definition ensures that all facets of digital information and interaction are made available to a wide audience.

Exceptions

Public service broadcasting companies are required to ensure that all content preceding certain dates, live multimedia broadcasts, and navigational maps with essential information are presented in accessible forms. However, there are exceptions to this requirement. Content such as third-party materials not controlled by these entities, heritage collections where accessibility may compromise preservation efforts or where text extraction is not feasible, and content on extranet and intranet or archived websites that have not been updated since September 23, 2019, are exempt from these accessibility mandates. This approach balances the need for accessibility with practical constraints and preservation of cultural heritage.

Fines and penalties

In Portugal, non-compliance with digital accessibility regulations incurs substantial fines depending on the severity of the offense. For serious administrative violations, individuals face penalties ranging from 650 to 1,500 euros, while companies may be fined between 12,000 and 24,000 euros. Very serious offenses result in steeper fines, with individuals subject to penalties of 2,000 to 3,740 euros, and companies liable for 24,000 to 44,891euros.

Additional sanctions may apply, including the public disclosure of sentencing decisions in national newspapers, further emphasizing the importance of adherence to accessibility requirements.

Reporting

Portugal 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, refer to the following resources:

• Decree-Law No. 83/2018
• Transposes Directive (EU) 2019/882