Get your website ready for BITV 2.0

BITV – Ready to become complaint?

What is the BITV 2.0?

The first Ordinance on Barrier-Free Information Technology (BITV) was introduced in 2002 on the basis of the German Disability Equality Act (BGG) and, for the first time, established binding standards for accessible information technology at federal level.

With BITV 2.0, which came into force in 2011, the regulations were expanded and aligned with international guidelines – in particular the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG, currently version 2.2) and the European standard EN 301 549, which applies across the EU to accessible digital products and services. Since then, the requirements have covered not only traditional websites and intranets, but also smartphone and tablet apps, mobile applications, electronic administrative processes, and documents such as PDFs. BITV 2.0 is legally binding nationwide for all public sector bodies.

Who does BITV 2.0 affect?

The Ordinance on Barrier-Free Information Technology (BITV 2.0) is legally binding nationwide for:

• Federal, state, and municipal authorities

• Publicly funded institutions such as universities, libraries, and museums

• Public broadcasting organisations, including their websites, web applications, and digital media

• Private companies – when providing digital services to the public on behalf of public bodies or when accessibility is required by law

BITV 2.0 applies to a wide range of digital resources and services, including:

• Websites and intranets

• Mobile applications

• Digital documents (PDFs, forms, reports)

• Online application and booking systems

• Digital media from public broadcasters

• E-learning platforms in public institutions

Its scope extends beyond traditional websites and portals to include mobile apps, digitally supported administrative processes, and digital documents such as PDFs and forms. Other affected resources include online recruitment and booking platforms, e-learning systems, and the digital media of public broadcasters.

Alongside the nationwide BITV 2.0, there are additional state-level regulations. In Hamburg, for example, the HmbBITVO (Hamburg Ordinance on Accessible Information Technology) governs the accessibility of websites, portals, digital forms, and web applications of the city’s administration. The Hamburg Disability Equality Act also sets out obligations for state authorities and employees, such as providing accessible documents, user interfaces, and IT systems, ensuring that digital services are available to citizens with disabilities.

Compliance is assessed through defined testing procedures such as the recognised BITV-Test. Software is also tested against BITV criteria. Public bodies receive an accessibility report documenting their level of digital compliance, which also serves as the basis for their accessibility statement.

Indirect impact on private companies

Most private companies are not directly bound by BITV unless they fall under the criteria listed above. However, they can still be indirectly affected – for example, when working with public sector clients or taking part in tenders that require accessible digital solutions. Voluntary alignment with BITV standards is strongly recommended as best practice, particularly in view of the broader requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

Service providers delivering software, websites, or apps for public clients must ensure their solutions comply with BITV 2.0. In public sector tenders, compliance with accessibility standards is regularly expected.

With the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which came into force on 28 June 2025, many private providers (e.g. banks, ticketing systems, online shops) are now also required to make their digital services accessible.

Exemptions

Not all web content is required to be accessible. Exemptions include, for example:

• Time-limited live broadcasts

• Archive content published before 23 September 2019

• Certain file formats or third-party content outside the control of public bodies

Nevertheless, the overarching principle is to achieve the highest possible level of accessibility. Digital services should be designed to be usable by as many people as possible, including those with complex or rare impairments, and barriers should be minimised wherever feasible.

Why BITV 2.0 matters

The regulation is not only a legal requirement but also a driver of digital inclusion and usability. Public bodies and companies that implement accessibility early on:

• Make their digital services accessible to millions of people with disabilities

• Improve the overall user experience for everyone

• Strengthen their reputation as responsible organisations

• Secure competitive advantages as accessibility increasingly becomes the market standard

Accessible communication and the provision of information also enhance customer service and ensure that legal and other information sources are available to all users.

Accessibility statement

A central element of BITV 2.0 is the accessibility statement. Public bodies must publish a clearly visible statement that documents the current status of accessibility. It must specify which standards have been implemented, identify known barriers, and provide a feedback mechanism for users. The statement must be updated at least once a year, ensuring transparency for citizens.

Why should I comply with BITV 2.0?

Compliance with BITV 2.0 is a legal requirement for public bodies in Germany. This includes federal, state, and municipal authorities, as well as publicly funded institutions such as universities, libraries, and museums. Public broadcasters are also obliged to make their digital services accessible. Oversight and enforcement are carried out by the responsible monitoring authority.

Since 28 June 2025, certain private providers – for example banks, ticketing systems, and online shops – have also been required to make their digital services accessible under the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). Previously, BITV applied to private companies only indirectly, such as when working on behalf of public bodies or participating in public tenders. With the BFSG, private providers are, for the first time, directly obliged to meet defined accessibility standards.

But even for companies not (yet) legally bound by these rules, implementing accessibility makes strong business sense:

• You reach 7.8 million people with disabilities in Germany – an important target group.

• You improve usability for all users, leading to higher satisfaction and customer loyalty.

• You reduce legal risks and avoid costly last-minute retrofits.

• You demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – a strong signal to employees, partners, and customers.

• You future-proof your business, as accessibility is rapidly becoming the market standard.

In short: even if BITV 2.0 is not yet mandatory for every company, accessibility is far more than a compliance issue – it is a strategic advantage and a clear commitment to digital responsibility.

When do I need to comply?

If you are a public institution in Germany, BITV compliance is already mandatory for your websites and mobile applications. Federal authorities have been required to meet these standards since 2019, and while deadlines at state level vary, they are largely already in force.

For private companies, BITV applies only in specific cases – for example, when providing digital services to the public under certain contractual or legal obligations. However, with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into effect on 28 June 2025, more private sector services are now subject to similar accessibility requirements. Early compliance with BITV is therefore a wise decision.

By acting now, you can ensure regulatory compliance, avoid risks, and integrate accessibility into your digital strategy from the outset.

What does the BITV 2.0 require in terms of WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are internationally recognised standards that define how digital content must be designed to be accessible for everyone. Under the European Accessibility Act (EAA), compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA is a core requirement.

WCAG 2.2 is built on four key principles:

• Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways that users can perceive. This includes text alternatives for images, captions for video content, and ensuring that content is adaptable and visually distinguishable (for example, through strong colour contrast).

• Operable: All graphical user interfaces, web interfaces, and user controls must be designed so they can be operated using a keyboard, mouse, or other input methods. This covers user menus and forms. Interfaces should avoid flashing elements that may trigger seizures and should facilitate easy navigation for users.

• Understandable: Content should be clear and predictable. This includes using plain language, providing correct labelling for form fields, and ensuring that pages behave consistently across the website.

• Robust: Content must remain accessible as technology evolves. This means ensuring compatibility with current and future assistive technologies such as screen readers, braille displays, speech recognition tools, and other aids.

According to the EAA, specific requirements may vary depending on the product or service.

How does Eye-Able® help me?

Eye-Able® helps your organisation comply with BITV through practical, easy-to-integrate digital accessibility solutions. Our software tools enhance the usability of your website for all users with features such as contrast adjustment, screen reader support, and text resizing – all in line with accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549.

In addition, we provide detailed accessibility audits, prepare legally required accessibility statements, and deliver tailored recommendations to help you meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) quickly and effectively. In this way, legal compliance becomes not a challenge but an opportunity.

Beyond our tools, Eye-Able® supports your long-term accessibility strategy with team training, continuous monitoring, and additional services such as plain language translations and AI-based multilingual accessibility. With our complete solution and expert support, you not only reduce legal risks but also build trust, reach more people, and position your organisation as a leader in digital inclusion.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry – we’re here to help.