As part of a mission for a departmental project, TEAM was able to use the tools necessary to promote the online launch of a platform that complies with #RGAA. In addition, this initiative is part of the ambitious goal set at the National Conference on Disability (CNH) held on 26 April, under the aegis of President Emmanuel Macron, to achieve 100% digital accessibility. The recent publication of an order by the Government reinforces this commitment and establishes sanctions to ensure compliance of websites of public administrations.
The New Measures in detail
The Ordinance introduces three key innovations to ensure accessibility of government websites:
- Sanctions for non-compliance with accessibility : Since the 2005 law, website accessibility was already a legal requirement. However, failure to comply with this requirement is now punishable. Government websites that do not comply may be subject to fines of up to €50,000. This measure is intended to encourage governments to take concrete steps to make their online platforms accessible to all, without exception.
- Arcom in the Accessibility Department : The Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communications (ARCOM) will play a central role in implementing these new provisions. It becomes competent to identify and verify the lack of accessibility of public administration websites. To do this, it will be able to rely on automated collection methods, thus ensuring a rigorous compliance monitoring. In addition, the ARCOM will have the power to issue prior injunctions for sanctions in case of non-compliance.
- Repeat Sanctions for Repeat Offenders: To encourage rapid compliance of websites, the order introduces a deterrent measure. If a sanctioned violation persists more than 6 months after the imposition of the initial sanction, a new sanction may be imposed. This provision is intended to ensure that public administrations do not neglect digital accessibility once they have been notified.
Additional Obligations Maintained
In addition to these new features, some additional obligations remain unchanged. Failure to comply with these obligations is still punishable by penalties, with a ceiling set at €25,000. The government is thus sending a clear message that digital accessibility is not an option, but a necessity.
In summary, this order represents a major step forward in promoting digital accessibility in France, including overseas. It strengthens penalties for failure to comply with the accessibility obligations of communication services to the public on-line, which should encourage public administrations to take immediate action to ensure equitable access for all citizens, Regardless of their disability.
For more information on the terms of this order, please consult the official publication of the Interdepartmental digital directorate (DINUM) here.
Sources :
- https://www.numerique.gouv.fr/espace-presse/accessibilite-numerique-a-100-percent-le-gouvernement-passe-a-la-vitesse-superieure-et-presente-une-ordonnance-visant-a-controler-laccessibilite-des-sites-des-administrations-publiques-a-compter-2024/
- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7106898327379550208/
