Spain

Law 11/2023 mandates digital accessibility for people with disabilities in Spain and is overseen by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation.

What it includes

• General-purpose consumer computer equipment
• Various self-service terminals:

• ATMs
• Payment terminals

• Interactive consumer devices used for electronic communications
• Services covered by the regulation include:

• Electronic communications (excluding email)
• Audiovisual services
• Certain transportation services including web and mobile services
• Consumer banking
• E-books
• E-commerce
• Utility services
• Travel agency services

As an additional point of consideration, regulations also apply to emergency communications with the European emergency number “112”.

Exceptions

The regulation outlines various provisions and exclusions related to digital content and services. It specifies the following exceptions

• Pre-recorded multimedia content
• Old office file formats
• Online mapping
• Third-party content not controlled by the provider
• Archived website contents

Fines and penalties

The Spanish regulatory framework imposes a tiered penalty system to enforce compliance with accessibility standards. Infractions are categorized based on their severity, with consequences escalating accordingly

• Minor infractions: Fines can reach up to 30,000 euros.
• Serious infractions: Penalties range from 30,000 to 150,000 euros.

For very serious infractions:

• The initial fine ranges from 150,000 to 600,000 euros.
• Recurrent violations can result in the business being banned from operating within Spain for a period of up to two years

These punitive measures underscore Spain’s dedication to upholding digital accessibility and ensuring an inclusive environment across varied sectors.

Reporting

Spain 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 Spanish government.