Preparing for EAA Compliance: Ensuring Inclusive Streaming Experiences with 24i

What is the EAA, and Why Does It Matter?

The European Accessibility Act, set to take full effect by June 2025, establishes comprehensive accessibility requirements for products and services in the EU, including digital platforms like streaming services. It aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to technology, fostering inclusivity and usability across the board.

For streaming services, this means offering features like:

• Screen reader compatibility: Making content navigable for visually impaired users.
• Subtitle and closed captioning support: For hearing-impaired audiences.
• Keyboard and assistive device functionality: Enabling access for users with mobility challenges.
• Clear and consistent navigation: Simplifying content discovery for all users.
• Text scalability: making it easy for users to read text through scaling.

EAA Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Streaming Services

Meeting EAA standards isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s a strategic opportunity to expand your audience and build brand loyalty. Accessibility is key to unlocking new viewership and delivering a better experience for everyone.

How 24i Video Cloud Simplifies EAA Compliance

The 24i Video Cloud is being enhanced with accessibility and flexibility in mind, making it the perfect partner for achieving EAA compliance. Here’s how it supports your journey:

• Built-In Accessibility Features
  Support for screen readers, subtitles, and closed captions. Assistive device-friendly controls for enhanced usability, and customizable user interfaces for seamless navigation.
• Effortless Content Management
  Our CMS will make it simple to manage and publish content that meets accessibility standards, ensuring compliance from day one.
• Continuous Updates and Innovation
  Accessibility is an evolving challenge. With 24i Video Cloud, your platform benefits from ongoing updates to keep it aligned with regulatory changes and industry best practices.‍
• Unified Platform for All Audiences
  The 24i Video Cloud supports a diverse range of devices, ensuring a consistent and accessible experience for users on IPTV, OTT devices, and smart TVs.

The Business Benefits of Accessibility

While compliance is essential, the benefits of accessibility extend far beyond legal obligations. Platforms that prioritize inclusivity see:

• Enhanced user satisfaction: Making your platform easier to use for all audiences.
• Increased engagement: Accessible platforms are easier for all users to navigate and enjoy.
• Expanded audience reach: Inclusive design appeals to a wider viewer base.
• Improved discoverability: Accessibility features like captions and transcripts improve SEO.

Accessibility as a Commitment, Not a Checkbox

At 24i, we view the EAA as an opportunity to help our clients create platforms that are not only compliant but truly user-centric. Accessibility is more than a feature—it’s a commitment to delivering seamless, inclusive entertainment experiences to every viewer.

As the EAA compliance deadline of June 2025 approaches, now is the time to ensure your platform is fully accessible. Let 24i guide you through the process of achieving compliance while enhancing the user experience.

Together, we can make streaming smarter, more inclusive, and better for everyone.

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By Stuart Huke, Head of Product Solutions, 24i