Are websites covered by the ADA?

Although the text of the law does not mention the web, US courts apply Title III's definition of "places of public accommodation" to websites. Any site serving US consumers — including companies selling into the US from abroad — is a potential lawsuit target.

The lawsuit reality

  • In 2023 alone, more than 4,600 digital accessibility lawsuits were filed in the US.
  • Most target e-commerce sites; the average settlement costs tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Courts reference WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA as the de facto standard.

How to reduce your risk

  1. Reach WCAG AA: Contrast, alt text, keyboard access and form labels are the most commonly litigated gaps.
  2. Publish an accessibility statement: It shows good faith and provides a feedback channel.
  3. Monitor continuously: A one-off fix is not enough; new content creates new risk.

Note: For Title II (public bodies), the US Department of Justice published WCAG 2.1 AA as the official standard in 2024; private sector case law is moving the same way.

Managing ADA risk with AccessNox

AccessNox completes missing alt texts — one of the most litigated gaps — with AI, and gives visitors screen reader and display adaptations. See the demo or request a free test.