Israel has established itself as a global leader in digital accessibility, backed by a robust legal framework that is among the most comprehensive in the world. The foundation of this framework is the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities (ERPD) Act of 1998, with the specific technical requirements for digital content outlined in Israeli Standard (IS) 5568.
First coming into full effect in 2017, IS 5568 mandates that both public and private sector organizations make their digital assets accessible to people with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
Who Must Comply with IS 5568?
Unlike accessibility laws in some other countries that focus primarily on the public sector, IS 5568 has a broad scope that includes nearly every organization offering services to the public in Israel. The law applies to:
- All government and public sector entities.
- Most private sector businesses, including for-profit and non-profit organizations.
- Specifically, any medium or large business with an average annual revenue of NIS 300,000 (approximately $80,000 USD) or more must comply. Small businesses were also required to comply as of October 2020.
A notable exemption exists for private contractors with an average annual income of less than NIS 100,000.
Technical Requirements of IS 5568
The Israeli standard is directly based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. This means that for a website or application to be compliant with IS 5568, it must meet the internationally recognized criteria for being perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
In addition to these technical standards, the law also requires organizations to:
- Publish a detailed accessibility statement outlining the accessibility arrangements they have made.
- Provide the contact information of a designated accessibility coordinator whom users can contact with issues or feedback.
Penalties and Enforcement: A Strict Approach
Israel’s enforcement of IS 5568 is one of the strictest in the world. The law empowers individuals to take legal action against non-compliant organizations with a unique provision:
- No Proof of Damage Required: A plaintiff can sue a non-compliant website owner for statutory damages of up to NIS 50,000 (approximately $14,000 USD) without needing to prove that they personally suffered any harm. The mere existence of an accessibility barrier is sufficient grounds for a lawsuit.
- Any Individual Can Complain: A person does not need to have a disability to file a complaint about an inaccessible website.
This powerful enforcement mechanism creates a strong incentive for all organizations operating in Israel to prioritize digital accessibility and avoid significant financial and legal risk.
Leading the Way in Digital Inclusion
Israel's proactive and stringent approach to digital accessibility sets a high bar for the rest of the world. For businesses, compliance is not just a legal necessity but a fundamental aspect of operating in the Israeli market.
Wawsome's AI-driven platform is designed to help organizations meet the rigorous demands of IS 5568. By providing comprehensive auditing, remediation, and monitoring tools aligned with WCAG 2.0 AA, we empower businesses to achieve compliance and create a truly inclusive digital experience for all users.