Tag: eu

Appeals Centre Europe’s First Transparency Report Shines Light on Social Media Mistakes

The Appeals Centre’s first Transparency Report (covering November 2024 to August 2025) highlights the urgent need for independent review of social media decisions. The report shows that where platforms make mistakes, people pay the price: from unjust account suspensions cutting people off from family and friends, to vital health information being removed, or hate speech against vulnerable communities being left online.

More than three-quarters of our decisions overturned Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube – either because we disagreed with their decision after reviewing the content, or because the platform did not send us the content and we ruled in the user’s favour. The majority of these decisions promoted freedom of expression by recommending that a user’s content or account be restored. 

Across the EU people are standing up to social media companies by challenging their decisions:

  • We received nearly 10,000 disputes about decisions by Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.
  • These came from every single EU country, covering content in more than 50 languages.
  • Of these, more than 3,300 disputes were within our scope, for which we have already issued 1,500+ decisions, with the rest expected in the coming weeks.
  • Since November we have expanded to account suspensions and new platforms (Instagram, Threads, Pinterest) to allow more people to use our service.
  • We received the most eligible disputes from Poland, followed by France and Italy.
  • We saw an upwards trend in case numbers, with the number of eligible disputes received increasing by more than 500% from December 2024 to August 2025.

Under EU law (the Digital Services Act), social media platforms must engage in good faith with dispute settlement bodies like the Appeals Centre and tell their users about this new option.

  • Today, however, dispute settlement bodies are Europe’s best-kept-secret. Most people don’t know we exist and some platforms seemingly want to keep it that way. This needs to change. Social media platforms should clearly tell their users about this new option on a dedicated help-page and as part of their internal appeals process.
  • More generally, co-operation with platforms has been mixed. Progress with YouTube, in particular, has been very slow. We have received no content from the company, meaning that – by the end of August – we had made decisions on just 29 of the more than 340 eligible YouTube disputes submitted to us. As such, we are concerned that people and organisations using YouTube in the EU are being denied meaningful access to out-of-court dispute settlement.

The CEO of Appeals Centre Europe, Thomas Hughes, said:

“Decisions by social media companies have very real consequences: from denying people a say in important debates, to cutting off a crucial source of income. But – as our Transparency Report shows – they don’t always get it right. If you’re in the EU, you can challenge the platform’s decision free-of-charge to the Appeals Centre and get an expert, impartial review.”

Car rental websites improve consumer information and contract terms following CCPC and EU-wide online sweep

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), working with EU consumer authorities, has proactively engaged with Etrawler Unlimited Company, trading as Holiday Autos and Argus Car Hire, to clarify consumer information on these car rental websites.

The improvements follow a coordinated EU-wide sweep of 78 third-party car rental websites conducted in 2022 by consumer protection authorities in 10 EU member states and Norway, led by the European Commission. The aim of the sweep was to assess and improve compliance with EU consumer protection laws.

The sweep identified areas of potential non-compliance with consumer protection laws by various car rental websites. Issues raised with Etrawler were addressed to ensure that consumers can make informed choices based on clear information.

Since early 2024, Argus Car Hire and Holiday Autos have implemented a number of positive changes across their websites:

  • Contact email addresses were added on the Argus Car Hire and Holiday Autos websites as an additional contact channel alongside a pre-existing phone number, chat function, WhatsApp and customer portal. 
  • While road taxes and airport fees were included in the quoted price, following engagement with the CCPC the price summary box now clearly states that these charges are part of the total cost, making it easier for consumers to understand exactly what they’re paying for. 
  • Clearer information on the use of credit and debit cards is provided during the booking process and in booking confirmation emails. 

During engagement with the CCPC, Argus Car Hire and Holiday Autos stated that they were already in the process of updating their no-show policies so that consumers are offered an alternative car with no fees in the event that a supplier cannot fulfil a booking due to a flight delay or cancellation. In addition, if a consumer is a no-show but contacts Argus Car Hire or Holiday Autos within 72 hours of the scheduled pickup, they receive a refund minus the flat cancellation fee.

The CCPC has been monitoring the implementation of these changes.

Pat Kenny, CCPC commission member, said:  

“We want consumers to feel confident and protected when renting a car online. Online car rental should be transparent and fair for every consumer.

“We welcome the action taken by Etrawler to enhance clarity and transparency of the information available to consumers, enabling them to make informed decisions.

“The results of the sweep on car rental websites demonstrate how the CCPC and consumer protection authorities across Europe work together to ensure consumers’ rights are upheld.”

Under the Consumer Protection Cooperation framework, national authorities work together to effectively tackle widespread infringements of EU consumer law and to review the commercial practices of traders.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for enforcing and promoting compliance with competition, consumer protection and product safety law, with new and expanding roles in digital and data regulation. We make markets work better for consumers and empower consumers to make informed choices through our consumer helpline, our website, public awareness campaigns and our financial education initiatives. For more information, visit CCPC.ie.

BowelScreen and Viatel Technology Group partner on EU project to advance AI in cancer screening

BowelScreen, as part of Ireland’s HSE’s National Screening Service, is contributing to a major EU-funded research initiative exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and microbiome science could shape the future of colorectal cancer screening.

As part of the five-year Microb-AI-ome project, the national screening programme is supporting research efforts through collaboration with technology partner Viatel Technology Group.

The Microb-AI-ome project, funded by Horizon Europe, brings together institutions from five countries to investigate whether AI-driven analysis of gut microbiome data can improve the accuracy of bowel cancer screening. The research aims to reduce unnecessary colonoscopies, enhance early detection, and improve patient outcomes in the future.

Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna MD FRCPI, Clinical Director, BowelScreen Ireland said: “This research could pave the way for a more accurate and efficient screening process that supports early detection and prevention of bowel cancer and reduces unnecessary colonoscopies, ultimately improving outcomes for screening participants across Europe.”

For the AI to function effectively, it requires access to a broad and diverse dataset from volunteer screening participants. To ensure privacy and compliance, the Microb-AI-ome platform anonymises all sensitive information and retains it within secure cloud databases. To contribute to this international research effort, BowelScreen has facilitated the enrolment of patients by three research hospitals across Ireland, who will provide stool samples for microbiome analysis.

Viatel, leveraging Microsoft Azure technology, has developed the bespoke, cloud-based data-management solution to manage the Irish data repository.

Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna added: “The platform we have devised with Viatel will allow us to analyse a huge volume of metadata generated from participants’ stool samples to make it interpretable as a signal to say the person is at risk, or is not at risk.”


James Finglas, Managing Director of Viatel Digital Services said: “This is game-changing for the potential use of AI in population-based cancer screening. It analyses millions of data points per patient to identify an individual’s risk of pre-cancer changes or bowel cancer. Consequently, this technology may identify those who need a colonoscopy, creating positive outcomes for patients.”

Security and compliance were paramount in the platform’s development. Fully compliant with Irish legislation and GDPR standards, the system ensures the highest levels of patient confidentiality and data protection.

“Viatel has the experience and expertise to develop what we need. It was really beneficial to have that collaboration between Microsoft and Viatel to be able to generate this platform for us,” Professor Pádraic Mac Mathúna said. 

This initiative highlights the growing role of the AI sector in healthcare innovation, and underscores the importance of strategic AI roadmaps in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

“This is a tremendous example of how AI can be adopted in a real and meaningful way. A lot of people are talking about AI right now, but we’re immensely proud to be effecting change in our work to get the most out of Microsoft’s AI solutions,” Finglas concluded.

What Ireland’s New Crypto Laws Mean for You

Ireland’s role in the global crypto space is evolving quickly in 2025, driven by major regulatory changes, tougher compliance rules, and clearer guidelines for both investors and businesses. With the country aligning closely with EU legislation while refining its national tax and AML policies, understanding what’s new is essential for anyone active in the Irish crypto market.

EU-Driven Changes Take Centre Stage

The biggest regulatory milestone this year is the rollout of the European Union (Information Accompanying Transfers of Funds) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 310/2025), which took effect on July 10. This law introduces enhanced traceability for crypto transactions, ensuring all transfers include identifying information to curb money laundering and terrorist financing.

Ireland also updated its approach to the EU’s broader Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), with new Central Bank guidance released on July 28. MiCAR creates a unified regulatory framework for crypto-assets across Europe. Ireland’s proactive integration of MiCAR shows a strong commitment to building regulatory clarity and oversight at home.

How Crypto Presales, Buying, Selling, and Trading in 2025 Are Impacted

These updated laws change how crypto presales and trading work in Ireland. The evolving regulatory framework in Ireland significantly impacts how buying, selling, trading, and live crypto presales in 2025 are conducted. The goal is to introduce key compliance measures to ensure transparency, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering (AML) controls. 

For example, if you are to buy the latest token like Bitcoin Hyper at the presale phase, the new laws impact you too. The token is a new Layer-2 blockchain project for Bitcoin that uses the Solana Virtual Machine and zero-knowledge rollups to address Bitcoin’s scalability and smart contract limitations. With over $7 million raised in presales and advertised yields above 152% APY, Bitcoin Hyper has drawn investor attention for enabling DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and real-world asset tokenisation through a BTC-linked bridge. 

Now, under MiCAR, when you buy crypto tokens in a presale like Bitcoin Hyper, the act of purchasing itself is usually not an immediate taxable event. However, the token acquired is treated as a capital asset from the point you receive it. So, when you later dispose of (sell, trade, or spend) the tokens acquired in the presale, any profit (gain) made above your original cost basis will be subject to Capital Gains Tax at 33%, after allowance of the annual exemption (€1,270). Essentially, your purchase price in the presale sets the cost basis for future capital gains calculation.

For crypto projects, crypto presales like this require a detailed white paper disclosing the project’s purpose, token rights, technology, and risks. Asset-referenced and e-money tokens must gain prior approval from the Central Bank. Tokens classified as transferable securities may also trigger prospectus obligations under EU securities law.

AML rules under the Fifth Money Laundering Directive (MLD5) apply to presales. Virtual asset service providers (VASPs) must conduct customer due diligence and monitor transactions to detect suspicious activity. These rules are designed to protect investors while curbing fraud and illicit finance.

For everyday buying and selling, exchanges and brokers must be registered VASPs and comply with AML/CFT obligations. The 2025 travel rule now requires identifying information to accompany crypto-asset transfers, just as it does with wire transfers.

Taxation: Crypto Treated as Property

From a tax standpoint, crypto is classified as property in Ireland. This means Capital Gains Tax applies to gains above €1,270 annually. Income tax, up to 40%, applies if your crypto activity is treated as business income, such as regular trading, staking, or mining.

Not all activity is taxable: buying crypto with euros or moving assets between your own wallets doesn’t trigger a tax liability. But accurate record-keeping is essential. Losses can be used to offset gains, offering some relief amid volatility.

Trading Platforms and Investor Protection

Trading crypto in Ireland now falls under stricter MiCAR rules. Platforms must be licensed, operate with transparency, conduct regular reporting, and meet consumer protection standards. These changes bring crypto markets closer to the standards of traditional finance.

While crypto isn’t legal tender, the new framework makes Ireland’s trading environment more structured and secure. Investors benefit from clearer rules and increased oversight, though with added compliance obligations.

Ireland’s Anti-Money Laundering Push

Ireland continues to take AML/CFT compliance seriously. MLD5 extends AML rules to crypto exchanges, custodians, and wallet providers, all of which must verify customer identities, monitor activity, and report suspicious transactions.

The Central Bank has consistently warned about risks tied to crypto-assets, such as price volatility, fraud, and the lack of consumer protection. These concerns have led to increased enforcement and scrutiny of crypto firms.

This approach aligns with wider EU efforts to counter crypto-related financial crime, including money laundering and sanctions evasion. Ireland is positioning itself as a secure, compliant jurisdiction within this broader regulatory context.

Ireland in the EU Regulatory Landscape

Across the EU, national approaches still vary. Malta, for instance, has been quicker to license major exchanges like Gemini and OKX, creating a more permissive environment. Ireland, by contrast, has adopted a more conservative stance, with tighter controls and slower licensing processes.

This measured strategy reflects the Central Bank’s cautious attitude, prioritising financial stability over rapid growth. While MiCAR aims to harmonise regulation across Europe, national differences in enforcement remain.

Implications for Stakeholders

For investors and crypto firms in Ireland, these developments offer both clarity and added responsibility. Clearer rules may attract institutional interest, but they also require more diligent tax compliance, accurate disclosures, and robust AML procedures.

Investors should track their gains and losses closely, and businesses must invest in compliance frameworks. Regulators, meanwhile, face the challenge of balancing innovation with enforcement.

Conclusion

As of 2025, Ireland has embraced a more regulated crypto environment by adopting MiCAR, the 2025 EU travel rule, and stricter AML requirements. These measures signal a shift toward transparency, accountability, and investor protection.

While the new rules demand more from participants, they also lay the groundwork for a more stable and credible crypto sector. For investors, firms, and policymakers alike, staying informed and proactive will be key to navigating the opportunities and risks in Ireland’s evolving crypto landscape.

New EU law will improve phone and battery life

Starting this summer, all phones and tablets sold in the EU and Ireland must have more durable batteries, greater resistance to drops, and be easier to repair.

That is according to Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands Northwest, Nina Carberry, who has hailed the new law as a key measure in enhancing consumer rights and holding manufacturers to higher standards when designing products.

The ‘Ecodesign Regulation’ will mean that new mobile phones and tablets must be capable of holding at least 800 charges, while retaining at least 80% of their initial battery capacity.

Phones must also be able to survive at least 45 accidental drops, and be repairable for 7 years, with manufacturers required to supply key spare parts within 5-10 working days.

“Phones that last longer mean less waste, less cost on repairs, and far less frustration for the consumer. ”

“This regulation is a powerful reminder of how the EU shapes daily life. It will also reduce the environmental impact of electronic devices, promoting greater sustainability across Europe”, Carberry concluded

Appeals Centre Europe Starts Reviewing Social Media Account Suspensions

From today, if your account is suspended by Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube – and you are in the EU – you can challenge the decision to Appeals Centre Europe. 

Every day, people find that their social media account has been suspended. So often these  decisions are automated, and users are not told what they have done wrong.  

Being banned from social media affects people’s lives: from losing touch with friends, to  losing precious memories and – in some cases – cutting off a crucial source of income.  

Recently, however, the EU’s Digital Services Act has given people a new right to refer  account suspensions to certified, independent bodies like the Appeals Centre.  

A New Way to Challenge Unfair Account Suspensions 

If you are in the EU and Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube has suspended your  account, you can challenge the decision to the Appeals Centre free-of-charge. If we do not  think you broke the rules, your account may be restored. 

  1. Click on this link and create an account on the Appeals Centre website.  2. Start a new dispute in our online portal.  
  2. Select “The platform suspended an account that I want restored” 4. Provide basic information, like your username and when your account was suspended.  5. Submit your dispute.  
  3. We request the last piece of content you posted which supposedly broke the rules.  7. Our expert team make a decision and send it to you and the platform. 8. While our decisions are non-binding, platforms are required – under EU law – to  engage in good faith with the Appeals Centre. 

In addition to account suspensions, you can also challenge a social media platform’s  decision to remove your content, or their decision to leave harmful content online that you  think should be taken down.  

What’s Next?  

So far this year, we’ve issued our first decisions, appointed new Directors from across the  EU, co-founded a new network of dispute settlement bodies and expanded our scope to  cover Instagram. This summer, we will publish our first transparency report – with new insights into the cases we have received and the decisions we have made. We will also  expand to other social media platforms later this year.  

The CEO of Appeals Centre Europe, Thomas Hughes said: 

“Losing your social media account is more than an inconvenience, it affects people’s lives in  fundamental ways. Yet – for too long – those with suspended accounts have been stuck  between a rock and a hard place. Before now you could either appeal the decision to the  platform – which often sticks with its original decision – or go to court at great expense.  

Today, however, there’s a new option which is independent of platforms and free-of-charge:  Appeals Centre Europe. So, if your account has been unfairly suspended, do something  about it. Submit a dispute to the Appeals Centre and make your voice heard.”  

How New EU Rules Will Shape the Future of Digital Identity Wallets

Digital identity wallets are at the cusp of transforming how we verify ourselves online – and the European Union is laying the legal and technical groundwork to make them mainstream. The European Parliament recently approved a new framework known as eIDAS 2.0, which will revolutionise not only how Europeans log into websites but also how they interact with banks, healthcare providers, educational institutions and governments. 

With this legislative shift, Europe is doubling down on the idea that digital identity should be secure, and citizen-centric across all EU countries. But as with any sweeping change, there’s nuance to unpack particularly when it comes to privacy.

 

What Are Digital Identity Wallets? 

A digital identity wallet is a secure app that allows individuals to store and share verifiable personal credentials like driver’s licenses. Diplomas, and health records on their smartphones. Think of it like Apple Wallet but for much more than credit cards or plane tickets. Under the new EU regulations, these wallets will become standardised and available to every EU citizen and resident, free of charge. 

 Although the goal is to make identification seamless there’s still a rise in no KYC online casinos. These platforms allow users to gamble using cryptocurrencies without verifying their identity. Their appeal lies in the fact users enjoy hundreds of games, instant withdrawals, and loyalty perks, all while maintaining their privacy.

Key Features of the New EU Digital Identity Framework

At the heart of the new digital identity push is user control. Unlike centralised databases, EU-approved digital wallets will store credentials locally on a user’s device. Only the user decides what to share and with whom. If you’re applying for a loan, you might only share your credit score, not your entire banking history. 

Digital wallets come with several standout features that enhance both privacy and convenience. One of the most notable is the use of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), which allow users to verify specific facts (such as being over 18) without revealing sensitive information like their exact birthdate. 

These wallets also offer cross-border compatibility, making it possible for, say, a student from Italy to use the same digital credentials when applying for a scholarship in Germany or a job in Sweden. Additionally, digital wallets can integrate with third-party services, enabling users to log into platforms like online shopping sites, banking apps, or gig economy platforms with ease.

The ultimate promise here is seamless interaction, whether with government services or commercial applications. 

Potential Impact on Businesses and Platforms

For companies, especially those that rely heavily on user data, these rules are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, digital wallets make it easier to onboard users securely. On the other, they shift control over data away from platforms and back to individuals, disrupting existing monetization models based on third party data collection. 

Take social media, for example. Platforms like Facebook or Instagram often monetise by gathering behavioural data. But if users authenticate with verifiable digital identities, and restrict the data they share, companies may have to rethink how they target ads or analyse user behaviour. 

Balancing Security With Privacy

There’s a fine line between making life easier for users and creating a tool that governments or bad actors could exploit. Critics of eIDAS 2.0 worry that even if digital wallets are designed with privacy in mind, central authorities or third parties could still pressure providers to include backdoors. 

To address this, the EU has embedded privacy to design and open-source transparency into the framework. Wallet providers must undergo certification, ensuring they meet strict technical and ethical standards. Still, whether this will satisfy skeptics remains to be seen.  

Europe’s Innovation Path Forward

Briefly but significantly, this initiative signals something larger. Europe is choosing to lead with innovation grounded in regulation. While Silicon Valley often chases disruption and China leans into state-led control, the EU is carving out its niche as a tech policy trendsetter. With digital wallets, they’re not just catching up, they’re setting the standard. 

This innovation isn’t limited to identity. The EU is already piloting AI governance, digital euro projects and sustainability-linked fintech frameworks. Together, these initiatives aim to foster a secure and ethically sound digital ecosystem, where both businesses and citizens benefit. 

What Comes Next?

Member states have until 2026 to roll out compliant digital identity wallets. That means in the next 12 to 24 months, we’ll likely see a flurry of public-private partnerships, app development and educational campaigns aimed at preparing citizens, businesses and institutions to shift. Governments will need to work closely with tech companies, financial service providers, universities and healthcare systems to ensure smooth integration across sectors. 

But adoption will ultimately depend on trust and convenience. If people feel safe using these wallets and find them more practical than current alternatives, they’ll become the default way to navigate the internet. If not, they risk going the way clunky government portals and forgotten smartcard experiments. 

One wildcard is how non-European companies like Apple, Google or Meta could respond. Will they build wallet-compatible services to retain European users or will they push back, leading to a showdown over who gets to shape digital identity infrastructure? 

With billions of users and enormous influences, these companies could either be powerful allies in the rollout or major disruptors. This is especially if wallet integration threatens their current data-driven business models.

 

Ireland Well Placed to Influence AI EU Innovation

European Movement Ireland and Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) UK and Ireland hosted ‘Artificial Intelligence – How will Europe Innovate?’ The event explored the challenges and opportunities ahead for AI innovation, political leadership and the future development of AI across Europe, as the European Union sets out its ambitious agenda to become a global leader in AI.

The EU AI act, which forms part of this vision, is the world’s first act to regulate the use of AI globally. In force since 2024, with some exemptions for high-risk AI until 2027, the EU AI Act will be fully applicable from 2026, coinciding with Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council. Given the presence of multinational tech companies, and leading research institutions in the country, Ireland is well positioned to influence how AI is advanced across the bloc into the future.

Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs, Barry Ward TD said: “As Europe takes bold steps toward responsible AI innovation, today’s discussion underscores the need for political leadership that is both visionary and grounded in our shared values. With Ireland preparing to take on the Presidency of the European Council in 2026, along with our thriving tech sector and academic excellence, we are uniquely placed to help lead this conversation and ensure AI development in Europe is ethical, innovative, and inclusive.”

Noelle O Connell, CEO European Movement Ireland said; “As the global race continues for leadership in AI, I am delighted to hear the statement from Minister Smyth, welcome Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs Barry Ward TD, and listen to the insights from the expert panel today on AI innovation, as it increasingly shapes all aspects of our daily lives and influences decision making. 

We are at a pivotal time when trust in institutions is falling, as revealed by EM Ireland’s EU Poll 2025, a majority stated (40%) they do not trust any institution and less than one in three (30%) expressed trust in the EU in Ireland. As the EU seeks to be bold in its vision for AI, it must ensure developments in AI work to serve the public good, and do not erode trust into the future.”

The Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth TD appeared prior to the discussion with a short video statement. The expert panel was moderated by Noelle O Connell and included Barry Ward TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs, Stephanie Anderson, Public Policy Manager, Meta, Dr. Eamonn Cahill, Principal Officer, AI and Digital Regulation Unit, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Kai Zenner of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss.

Dr. Canan Atilgan, Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) UK and Ireland said; “The EU aims to become a global leader in AI and has unveiled an ambitious Action Plan — a bold strategy designed not merely to compete, but to lead ethically, with a clear, human-centred vision.”

Artificial Intelligence – How Will Europe Innovate? brought citizens, businesses, and policymakers together to explore the themes of the future of AI, and the regulation of AI in practice. The hashtag #EMIKAS and the handles @KAS_UKIRL and @emireland were used during the event.

Vision Ireland and Benetech Join Forces to Launch EU-Compliant Global Certified Accessible Certification

Today, Vision Ireland and Benetech announced a collaboration to launch a groundbreaking partnership to provide the Global Certified Accessible (GCA) certification program for European Union (EU) publishers.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring digital accessibility and compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) for eBooks across the European Union. By combining Vision Ireland’s deep expertise in EU accessibility standards with Benetech’s leadership in digital inclusion, the partnership streamlines the certification process, providing publishers with a globally recognized, EU-compliant credential. With certification from an EU-based organization, publishers gain enhanced credibility and assurance that their content meets the highest accessibility standards for European readers. “This partnership is a major step forward for digital accessibility across the European Union,” said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. “As the first independent third-party digital accessibility certification, Benetech’s GCA certification helps publishers meet global standards.

With over 80 organizations already benefiting from our services, including Elsevir, Taylor & Francis, and McGraw Hill, we are proud to drive the global movement toward more inclusive digital content.” The certification process involves a thorough review of eBooks to ensure they meet the highest accessibility standards, including the EPUB Accessibility 1.1 specification and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA.

Chris White, CEO of Vision Ireland: “Ensuring accessibility in digital publishing is not just a compliance requirement, it’s a fundamental step toward equality. Vision Ireland is proud to collaborate with Benetech to support EU publishers in meeting the highest accessibility standards. This partnership reinforces our commitment to breaking down barriers and making digital content truly inclusive for all readers, particularly those who are blind or vision impaired.”

Lina Kouzi, Head of Library Access Service at Vision Ireland: “Accessible publishing is the gateway to equal participation in education, employment, and everyday life. By working with Benetech to deliver Global Certified Accessible certification for EU publishers, we are ensuring that digital content is designed for everyone from the outset. This initiative will be transformative in fostering a more inclusive reading experience across Europe.”

Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer at Vision Ireland: “Vision Ireland is thrilled to partner with Benetech to drive digital accessibility forward across the entire EU,. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of accessible publishing practices, ensuring that inclusive digital content becomes the standard for readers across Europe.”

Publishers seeking the EU-compliant GCA certification can contact Vision Ireland for details on the certification process, requirements, and benefits. Together, Vision Ireland and Benetech are fostering a more inclusive digital landscape for all readers in Europe.