What is the BITV 2.0 and since when has it applied?

BITV stands for Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance. The ordinance is based on Germany's Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act (BGG) and requires federal public bodies to make their digital offerings accessible. The current BITV 2.0 version took effect in 2011 and was fundamentally revised in 2019 – since then, WCAG 2.1 Level AA has been the binding standard.

Which federal authorities are covered by the BITV 2.0?

All federal public bodies with digital offerings are covered: federal ministries and subordinate authorities, federal corporations under public law, federal institutions, and public-law foundations. State authorities are subject to corresponding state-level BITV ordinances; private companies are subject to the BFSG.

Are there exemptions from the BITV 2.0?

Yes. Exemptions include live broadcasts of media content, certain online map services, third-party content that is neither funded nor controlled by the public body, and content for closed user groups published before 23 September 2019.

What is the difference between the BITV 2.0 and the BFSG?

The BITV 2.0 applies to federal public bodies and has been binding since 2019. The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) applies to private companies offering digital products or services. Both frameworks require WCAG 2.1 Level AA and implement European accessibility requirements.

What must an accessibility statement under the BITV 2.0 include?

The statement must document the current conformance status, name known barriers, and provide contact options for feedback. It must also reference the mediation procedure. It needs to be updated regularly and published on the website in an accessible format itself.

How can a website's BITV compliance be tested?

Compliance is assessed through a combination of automated testing and manual expert review. Automated tools such as easyMonitoring continuously check websites against WCAG criteria. For a complete BITV audit – particularly for complex administrative processes – a manual review by accessibility experts is always required as well.

BITV 2.0 – The Accessibility Obligation for German Federal Public Bodies

The Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV 2.0) requires German federal authorities and public bodies to make their websites, applications, and digital content accessible – legally binding since 2019.

Check Your Website Now BITV in the Lexicon

BITV 2.0 – barrier-free information technology for German federal public bodies

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BITV 2.0

The Key Facts at a Glance

BITV 2.0 at a Glance

These four points summarize what the BITV 2.0 regulates and who it applies to.

A federal ordinance based on Germany's Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act (BGG)
Implements EU Directive 2016/2102 for public sector bodies
Applies only at the federal level – German states have their own state-level BITV ordinances
Not to be confused with the BFSG, which applies to private companies

Binding since 2019

Applies to federal authorities & public bodies

Based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Accessibility statement required

What Is the BITV 2.0?

The BITV 2.0 (Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance) is a federal ordinance based on Germany's Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act (BGG). Its goal: to give people with disabilities equal access to the digital offerings of public bodies – websites, mobile applications, documents, and administrative processes.

The current version was fundamentally revised in 2019 and aligned with the international WCAG 2.1 standard at conformance level AA. With this, Germany implements EU Directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public sector websites and applications.

Not to be confused with the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which applies to private companies. The BITV 2.0 applies exclusively at the federal level – state authorities are subject to their own state-level BITV ordinances.

Who Does the BITV 2.0 Apply To?

The BITV 2.0 applies to all federal public bodies that provide digital offerings to the public. Who is obligated:

Federal ministries and subordinate federal authorities
Federal corporations under public law
Federal institutions and federal foundations
Other federal bodies with public digital offerings

Companies affected too? See the BFSG

Federal public bodies – covered by the BITV 2.0

WCAG 2.1 Level AA

These Are the BITV 2.0's Requirements

The basis is the four WCAG principles – supplemented by specific German procedural obligations. Digital content and applications of public bodies must be fully perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

Alt text for images, captions for videos
Full keyboard operability – including complex administrative processes
Sufficient color contrast and plain language
Compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers
Mandatory publication of an accessibility statement
Feedback mechanism with a 30-day response requirement

WCAG 2.1 in Detail

BITV 2.0 requirements – WCAG principles for federal authorities

Exemptions and Public Procurement

Not all digital content falls under the BITV 2.0. Exemptions include live broadcasts of media content, online map services – provided essential navigation information is made accessible – and third-party content that is neither funded nor developed by the public body and is outside its control. Content for closed user groups published before 23 September 2019 is also exempt.

The requirements also extend beyond a body's own website: in public procurement of digital products and services, federal authorities must ensure these meet the requirements of EN 301 549. Accessibility therefore becomes a procurement criterion already at the stage of selecting software, hardware, and services.

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BITV 2.0 or BFSG – What Applies to Whom?

Germany's two key accessibility frameworks target completely different groups. A clear overview:

BITV 2.0: federal authorities & public bodies – in effect since 2019
BFSG: private companies with 10+ employees or €2M+ revenue
State-level BITV: state authorities – separate ordinances per German state
Common ground: both frameworks require WCAG 2.1 Level AA

BFSG in Detail

BITV 2.0 vs. BFSG – differences and common ground

Frequently Asked Questions About the BITV 2.0

Covered bodies must make their websites and applications accessible to WCAG 2.1 Level AA, publish an accessibility statement, and provide a feedback mechanism. User reports of barriers must receive a response within 30 days. If requirements are not met, the federal mediation body can be contacted.