Avoid BFSG Warnings – Implement Digital Accessibility Now
Digital accessibility is no longer optional – it's a legal requirement. Since the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) came into force, website and shop operators without accessible design face real legal consequences – from warning emails to competition law warnings. SiteCockpit protects your business with automated auditing, legally compliant statements, and frontend assistance – measurable, maintainable, and GDPR-compliant.
BFSG & Accessibility – What Does This Mean for Your Business?
The BFSG (Accessibility Strengthening Act) has required since June 28, 2025 that many German companies ensure digital accessibility. Failing to provide accessible digital services is not only illegal but also exposes companies to concrete warnings from competitors or specialized law firms. Affected parties include:
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Online shops, commerce platforms, and digital services targeting end customers
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Companies with at least 10 employees or €2 million annual revenue
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Digital transaction paths, customer portals, apps, or core product features
Why Accessibility Warnings Are Increasing
Currently, many website operators receive emails from market surveillance authorities or law firms pointing out missing accessibility, often accompanied by paid offers to "fix" the alleged deficiencies.
While not every message is legally sound, they clearly demonstrate one thing: Missing accessibility is already a business risk today for companies operating online.
Typical Points of Criticism:
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No legally required notice about accessibility on the website
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Missing or outdated statement per § 14 BFSG
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No documented implementation of WCAG requirements
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Forms, navigation, or contrast are not usable for many people
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Implementing Digital Accessibility – Requirements
The requirements for digital accessibility are diverse but clearly defined – particularly through WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and the legal requirements of the BFSG. Learn here which websites must be accessible. Here are the most important aspects you need to consider:
Structured Content
Digital content must be understandable and clearly organized for all people – regardless of prior experience or limitations. A logically structured layout helps all users and prevents violations of legal and competition law requirements of the BFSG.
Accessible Design
Strong contrasts, flexible font sizes, responsive layouts, and avoiding purely visual distinctions ensure usability – even with age-related or temporary limitations.
Keyboard Operation & Navigation
All functions – especially interactive elements like filters, navigation, or forms – must be fully accessible without a mouse. This applies equally to shops, services, and products.
Visual Alternatives
Non-text content like icons or graphics must be captured via alternative text according to BFSG – otherwise they are inaccessible to many user groups.
Accessible Forms
Error messages, labels, and workflows must be clear, predictable, and understandable. This is where most violations occur in commerce environments.
Multimedia Content
Videos and audio content require captions, transcripts, or audio descriptions – this is legally required and technically feasible.
Why Prevention Is Better Than Reaction
Many companies still underestimate the obligations resulting from the applicable Accessibility Strengthening Act. Yet it's clear: Those who ignore accessibility standards not only fall out of competition – they also risk concrete warnings.
Particularly affected are providers offering digital services or products without implementing their website or app accordingly. Companies that have already received warnings report unnecessary costs and time – solely due to lack of precaution.
SiteCockpit helps ensure you don't fall into this trap: With structured monitoring, clear action items, and compliant statements, you're on the safe side with the Accessibility Strengthening Act – before it's too late.
How to Effectively Prevent Warnings – Before Competitors Act
Whether merchant, shop operator, or digital service provider: Anyone who ignores accessibility gives competitors an easy attack surface – especially in light of the UWG (Act Against Unfair Competition).
If accessibility measures or the legally required statement are missing, there's a possibility that competitors could demand a cease-and-desist letter or initiate legal action.
Audit Your Website Regularly
With automated WCAG auditing via easyMonitoring, you identify violations early and can make targeted improvements – before warnings occur.
Design Your Digital Content in Accordance with BFSG
Content should be clearly structured, visually accessible, and fully usable – even without a mouse. SiteCockpit provides you with clear action recommendations.
Consult a Specialized Attorney When in Doubt
Especially with warnings or questionable offers, legal advice can help – for example, in evaluating a cease-and-desist letter or dealing with UWG allegations.
You Don't Need a Warning to Take Action
With SiteCockpit, you protect your online offering – without legal risks and without unnecessary effort. The platform analyzes, documents, and supports the accessible implementation of digital content according to WCAG 2.2:
Our Modules:
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easyMonitoring: Fully automated audit of your pages – with score, error log, and clearly prioritized tasks for BFSG-compliant implementation
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easyStatement: BFSG-compliant accessibility statement – automatically generated, editable, and multilingual
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easyVision: Visible assistance tools in the frontend for users with motor, visual, or cognitive limitations – easily activatable
Do You Have Questions? We're Here for You.
Whether initial consultation or detailed planning – we're here for you. Implement the requirements of the Accessibility Strengthening Act now with a partner who understands you.