In Finland, web accessibility is governed by the Act on the Provision of Digital Services (Laki digitaalisten palvelujen tarjoamisesta). The act incorporates the requirements of the European Web Accessibility Directive, also known as EN 301549, into Finnish law.
Under the Act on the Provision of Digital Services, public sector bodies and certain private sector entities providing essential services must ensure that their websites and mobile applications meet specific accessibility standards.
The accessibility standards specified in Finland align with the European standard
EN 301549, based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA level. Websites and mobile applications falling under the scope of the law are expected to comply with these accessibility standards.
To ensure compliance, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) is responsible for monitoring and enforcing web accessibility requirements. Traficom provides guidance, conducts audits, and oversees the accessibility of digital services provided by public sector bodies and essential service providers.
It’s important to note that while the law primarily applies to the public sector and essential service providers, web accessibility is encouraged and promoted across all sectors in Finland. Adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines is considered a best practice for all organizations to provide inclusive access to information and services.
At EqualWeb, we recommend you remediate and audit your website against
WCAG 2.1 guidelines to avoid any legal risk and to open your doors to the large population of individuals living with disabilities. EqualWeb has a longstanding relationship with organizations in Finland as we provide web accessibility services in Finnish according to the laws of the country, as well as the most up-to-date international guidelines.
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