How some providers want to cash in on the BFSG (Barrier-free Website Act) and the fear of warnings
The new law comes into force at the end of June 2025.
And the other day in my inbox: An e-mail subject that sounds like a yellow letter from the office:
“Request for barrier-free redesign of your website in accordance with § 3 BFSG”
And a dramatic introduction:
“You mentally scroll backwards through your to-do list: ‘Website? That was okay. Didn’t we just have a redesign? But that doesn’t help. The deadline has passed. 14 days. Otherwise a lawsuit.”
At this point at the latest, it was clear: we are not in government radio, but in fairytale land of warnings.
The recipe: A pinch of law, a spoonful of panic – well mixed
In essence, it’s about the new Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG), which will apply to certain companies from June 28, 2025. This is claimed:
“It won’t happen one day. It’s happening right now. […] The hunting season for unprotected websites has begun.”
The bold formulation “14 days, otherwise legal action”?
There is no such legal deadline. Deadlines for issuing warnings are set by the person issuing the warning – not the BFSG.
Who is sending the reminder? And why allegedly for €1,500?
“Otherwise a lawsuit. And: €1,500 in legal fees – plus a ‘please pay’ letter.”
- No, that’s not how it works. – Not everyone is allowed to issue a warning; only competitors or associations with a legitimate interest.
- The amount mentioned is a worst-case scenario, but not automatic.
- The borderline of misleading scaremongering is therefore close.
The “rescue”: a miracle widget with a certificate
“Pay once – secure for life. Automatic updates, zero subscription. Certificate for your records.”
Sounds like a savior. Unfortunately, this is not very legally sound:
- There are no official certificates for BFSG conformity.
- Even with a widget or plugin, manual work is usually necessary (PDFs, contrasts, keyboard operation, etc.).
- Accessibility is a concept and an ongoing process. You have to keep at it, a one-off check is not enough as most websites are constantly changing and growing.
Our conclusion as a web agency:
- Accessibility is important, and is often recommended even on a voluntary basis.
- Scaremongering does not sell good solutions.
Those who give serious advice provide* honest information:
- Whether and from when the law applies to you
- What measures are really necessary
- And why no miracle tool alone is enough to create real access for all people
If you want to know what specifically needs to be done for your website – we give honest advice*.
- Without pressure, without “14-day” ticking bombs, without British letterbox companies.
- We work closely with your legal advisor on the technical implementation of all measures.
- We have been a long-standing agency client of eRecht24, who comprehensively provide us with legal information on the subject, including checklists and a test tool.
More info:
*Note: We are not legal advisors ourselves but web designers and are not permitted to provide a legally binding assessment of the BFSG or the law on cease-and-desist letters. Our assessments are based on publicly available information and technical experience. For legal questions, we always recommend consulting a specialized lawyer.
