The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One of its critical roles today is ensuring that websites and digital platforms are accessible to people with disabilities.
The DOJ monitors, investigates, and takes action against organizations that fail to provide inclusive online access, holding them accountable through legal measures and settlements. Understanding the DOJ's authority and actions is essential for any U.S. business with a digital presence.
Key Functions of the DOJ in Web Accessibility
The DOJ’s activities around digital accessibility include several critical areas:
- Enforcement of ADA Compliance
The DOJ ensures that public accommodations and government entities follow ADA Title II and III regulations, covering state/local government websites and private businesses serving the public—especially in retail, healthcare, and hospitality. - Investigation of Complaints
The DOJ actively investigates complaints from individuals with disabilities regarding inaccessible websites and digital services, often referencing WCAG 2.1 standards. - Legal Action and Settlements
When organizations fail to meet accessibility standards, the DOJ can file lawsuits, issue consent decrees, and require ongoing compliance monitoring.
Learn more about ADA compliance frameworks.
How DOJ Enforcement Works
The DOJ’s enforcement process typically begins with a formal complaint or proactive investigation. If violations are confirmed, the DOJ may:
- Issue a Letter of Findings detailing accessibility failures
- Negotiate a Consent Decree requiring remediation and ongoing audits
- File a Federal Lawsuit in high-profile or repeat-offender cases
- Require third-party Compliance Monitoring for 2–5 years
Target case study | Healthcare clinic lawsuit
How DOJ Actions Affect Businesses
Businesses across the U.S.—especially in high-risk states like California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois—must comply with DOJ regulations to avoid:
- Lawsuits and settlements ranging from $25,000 to $250,000+
- Hefty legal fees and mandated remediation costs
- Reputation damage from publicized accessibility failures
- Potential loss of federal contracts or grants
Retail guidance | Healthcare compliance | Education requirements
Steps DOJ Recommends for Web Accessibility
- Accessibility Audits
Evaluate your website against ADA, WCAG 2.1 AA, and Section 508 standards. - Implement Accessibility Fixes
Correct coding, design, multimedia, and interactive element issues. - User Testing
Test with real assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation. - Staff Training
Educate developers, content creators, and customer service on ADA compliance. - Ongoing Monitoring
Maintain accessibility as web technologies and content evolve.
Explore full DOJ-aligned compliance solutions.
DOJ Web Accessibility Case Studies
| Case | Sector | Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFB v. Target | Retail | Website inaccessible to blind users | Settlement & updates |
| Blind Patient Clinic | Healthcare | Appointment portal inaccessible | Corrective actions |
| NAD v. Netflix | Media | Lack of captions | Settlement & ongoing monitoring |
See all DOJ-related case studies.
Benefits of DOJ Compliance
- Legal Security: Reduce risk of lawsuits and DOJ enforcement actions.
- Inclusive Access: Reach the 61+ million Americans with disabilities effectively.
- Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrate corporate responsibility and commitment to inclusion.
- Improved User Experience & SEO: Accessibility upgrades benefit all users and boost search rankings.
FAQs About DOJ & Web Compliance
Q: What does the DOJ do regarding web accessibility?
The DOJ enforces ADA regulations to ensure websites and online services are accessible to people with disabilities.
Q: Who must follow DOJ accessibility rules?
All public accommodations, government agencies, and businesses in the US serving the public must comply.
Q: What standards does DOJ enforce?
The DOJ uses WCAG 2.1, ADA Title II/III, and Section 508 standards for federal websites.
Q: What happens if a business doesn’t comply?
Non-compliance can result in lawsuits, fines, legal settlements, and reputational damage.
Review real DOJ enforcement actions.
Align with DOJ Standards to Protect Your Business
The Department of Justice (DOJ) plays a critical role in enforcing digital accessibility. Their actions ensure equitable access for all users while holding businesses accountable. Proactively aligning with DOJ regulations safeguards your organization from legal risks and demonstrates commitment to inclusive, accessible web experiences.
Partner with Get ADA Alert to achieve full DOJ-aligned web accessibility compliance across your digital platforms. Ensure your business meets ADA, WCAG, and Section 508 standards today.
DOJ compliance solutions | Standards overview | Enforcement case studies