With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into full force on June 28, 2025, businesses operating in the EU must ensure their digital services, including cookie banners, are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Accessibility is no longer just an enhancement, it’s a legal obligation. This guide will walk you through the best practices for making your Complianz cookie banner compliant with the EAA and provide actionable steps to prepare for the deadline.
Why Accessibility Matters for Cookie Banners
The EAA establishes a unified set of accessibility requirements for digital products and services in the EU, ensuring that people with disabilities can access and use digital services with ease. Cookie banners are a crucial part of this digital experience, as they are often the first point of interaction users have with your website. Making your cookie banner accessible is key to ensuring that all users can understand and interact with it effectively, without encountering barriers.
Key Best Practices for Making Your Complianz Cookie Banner Accessible
- Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Your cookie banner should be fully navigable using just the keyboard. Users must be able to interact with every part of the banner—accepting or rejecting cookies, reading text, and closing the banner—without needing a mouse. This is essential for people with mobility impairments who rely on keyboard-only navigation. - Screen Reader Compatibility
For users who are blind or visually impaired, ensure that your cookie banner works seamlessly with screen readers. This means that all elements of the banner, including buttons, links, and instructions, must have clear and accurate labels that are properly announced by screen readers. - Provide Clear Focus Indicators
As users navigate through the banner, clear visual indicators (like outlines or color changes) should appear around interactive elements to show the user where the focus currently resides. This is important for users with low vision or those who rely on keyboard navigation. - Descriptive and Clear Language
The text on your cookie banner should be clear and concise. Use descriptive language for consent options (e.g., “Accept All Cookies,” “Reject Non-Essential Cookies,” or “Manage Preferences”). This ensures users understand their choices and can interact with the banner effectively, no matter their disability. - Allow for Customization of Accessibility Features
Complianz offers users the ability to customize various aspects of the cookie banner. To ensure accessibility, allow users to adjust these features to suit their needs. For instance, ensure text can be resized without losing functionality, and provide enough contrast for readability. - Ensure Proper Color Contrast
For users with visual impairments or color blindness, it’s essential that the cookie banner provides sufficient contrast between text and background colors. This ensures that users can easily read and understand the banner’s content, regardless of their visual abilities. - Make Sure the Banner Is Fully Usable Across Devices
Accessibility isn’t just about desktop browsers. Ensure that your cookie banner functions seamlessly across all devices, including mobile phones and tablets. All features must be fully operable on touchscreens, and users should have an equally smooth experience on all platforms.
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Ongoing Improvements to Complianz
We are continuously working on improving Complianz to meet evolving accessibility standards, and enhancements are planned for the near future. These improvements will help ensure that your cookie banner remains fully compliant with the European Accessibility Act.
Steps to Test and Audit Your Cookie Banner for Accessibility
Automated Testing Tools
Start by using automated testing tools to identify potential accessibility issues. Tools like Google Lighthouse, WAVE, and axe DevTools can highlight common barriers such as missing alt text, color contrast issues, or structural problems in the HTML.
Manual Testing with Screen Readers
Automated tools can only detect a portion of accessibility issues, so manual testing is essential. Use screen readers like NVDA (for Windows) or VoiceOver (for Mac) to test how your cookie banner performs. You should also test the banner by navigating it using only the keyboard, ensuring that all actions can be completed without the need for a mouse.
Zoom and Resizing Tests
To ensure your banner works for users with low vision, check how the banner behaves when text is resized. The content should remain usable and functional at 200% text scale, with no loss of content or functionality.
What Should You Do Now to Prepare for 2025?
While the full enforcement of the European Accessibility Act may be a few years away, now is the time to start preparing. Here are a few steps you can take today:
- Audit your cookie banner for accessibility, using both automated and manual testing methods.
- Implement essential fixes such as adding alt text to non-text content, ensuring proper keyboard navigation, and making sure all error messages are accessible.
- Ensure compliance with EAA standards by addressing critical accessibility barriers.
- Keep users informed about upcoming changes, including planned improvements for continued accessibility.
Accessibility is not just a legal requirement; it’s a commitment to ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can interact with your services. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you’ll not only ensure that your Complianz cookie banner complies with the European Accessibility Act but also contribute to a more inclusive digital experience. Start implementing these changes now to prepare for the June 2025 deadline and help ensure that your digital presence is accessible to all.
