Which Languages Are Required for EAA Compliance?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) has introduced significant considerations for businesses operating within or expanding into the EU market. Compliance, particularly regarding language support for accessible video content, is now a critical operational priority. At 3Play Media, we’re committed to staying ahead of these changes and helping our customers navigate the EAA with ease. This blog will help you answer the common question: Which languages are required for EAA compliance?
Learn How the EAA Impacts Your Video Content
Demystifying the EAA: A Global Accessibility Imperative
Think of the EAA as the EU’s powerful commitment to digital inclusion, mirroring the ADA in the US. It’s a clear message: if you’re reaching EU audiences with video, accessibility isn’t optional—it’s essential. This comprehensive regulation demands adherence to WCAG 2.2 standards across captioning, audio description, live captioning, transcription, and even sign language.
A core principle of the EAA is the emphasis on proactive accessibility. Organizations are expected to integrate accessibility considerations from the initial design phase rather than retroactively tacking them on. Non-compliance can result in serious penalties, underscoring the importance of strategic implementation.
Language Precision: Aligning with Audio, Not Just Source
A common point of confusion arises when determining the required languages for compliance. It is crucial to understand that the EAA prioritizes the language of the audio output rather than the original source language. For instance, if a video is dubbed into Italian, Italian captions and audio description are mandatory. This distinction is fundamental to ensuring effective accessibility.
It’s also critical to note that in the EU and UK, the terms “captions” and “subtitles” are often used interchangeably; however, the EAA requirement is for Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH), which includes speaker identification and essential non-speech information.
Navigating Backlogs and Member State Nuances
Two other areas of common confusion when understanding EAA video requirements include backlog content and member state rules.
- Backlog Content: The purpose of your video matters. If you are producing e-learning or streaming videos where video is your product, you have until 2030 to make your backlogs accessible. Marketing videos may be exempt.
- Member State Rules: Each member state interprets and enforces the EAA baseline differently. Staying informed is key, as not all member states have published specific rules yet.
Seize the Opportunity: Expand and Engage with EAA Compliance
The EAA isn’t just about compliance; it’s about unlocking new markets and boosting your global SEO. Let’s continue the dialogue on EAA and localization. 3Play Media is dedicated to helping you scale globally, maintaining quality, and ensuring accessibility at every step, as our global language transcription and audio description solutions are designed to meet and exceed EAA standards.
Disclaimer: Please note that this blog has been written for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
