Who is responsible for accessibility if the website is developed by an external agency?
The SEBI-regulated entity is responsible. Outsourcing website development, hosting or maintenance does not transfer the regulatory responsibility to the developer.
The circular also addresses incorporating accessibility requirements into procurement contracts and requests for proposals. In practice, that means writing accessibility into the agreement with whoever builds or maintains your website, so the work you pay for meets the standard you are answerable for.
What the circular says
“The responsibility to ensure the accessibility of a Digital Platform shall lie with the REs.”
Regulatory reference
- Circular
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and rules made thereunder – mandatory compliance by all Regulated Entities
- Circular number
- SEBI/HO/ITD-1/ITD_VIAP/P/CIR/2025/111
- Dated
- 31 July 2025
- Where to look
- Annexure I, Sections 6.1 and 6.2