The landmark Ninth Circuit ruling establishing that the ADA applies to mobile apps and websites that serve as a "gateway" to physical goods and services.
Guillermo Robles, who is blind, filed a lawsuit against Domino's in 2016, claiming he was unable to order food from the company's website and mobile app using screen-reading software. Robles argued that Domino's digital platforms violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because they were inaccessible to him.
This denial of access prevented him from fully engaging with the goods and services offered by their physical stores, which Robles contended was a violation of his civil rights under ADA Title III.
The core question was whether the ADA—a law written in 1990—applies to the websites and mobile apps of businesses with physical locations (Title III of the ADA).
The court ruled decisively in favor of Robles, establishing that the ADA **does** apply to Domino's website and mobile app.
This ruling significantly broadened the scope of digital accessibility enforcement. It affirmed that modern digital platforms are subject to ADA compliance when they facilitate access to the goods and services of a physical location.
ADA
APPLIES
Digital accessibility required.
For any business with a physical location, this case is a clear warning: Your digital platforms (website, mobile app, etc.) are considered extensions of your physical store. Ensure they are compliant with **WCAG** standards immediately to mitigate the substantial legal risk established by this powerful precedent.