Introduction

For the past few decades, the world has been undergoing a digital transformation driven by two key factors, namely, (1) the rapid rise of the Internet and proliferation of online content in all its forms; and (2) the evolution of communications systems, in particular portable devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptop computers. As governmental services worldwide have increasingly moved online, concepts such as “e-government” and “digital government” have become the norm, and have evolved according to competitive standards and indicators. In this field, governments have often been outpaced by private companies, which view online services as a lucrative part of the digital economy.

E-accessibility has become an essential requirement in many different types of service provision as a result of the expansion of digital government services, websites and mobile applications, and the entry of large and medium-sized enterprises into public service provision in areas such as finance, health, education, training, transport, and consumer services, including online shopping. As part of international efforts to foster development and leave no one behind, the United Nations swiftly adopted the concept of “e-accessibility” to help countries pursue an inclusive pathway to development.

Guaranteeing the right to e-accessibility requires an intersectional approach, which involves understanding and addressing the many different factors that can obstruct individuals’ access to digital services and content. In addition to disabilities, these obstacles can be associated with gender inequality, economic and social status, ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, and residency status (for example, in the case of migrants).