For years, there has been ongoing debate about whether a “place of public accommodation” under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must have a physical location. A recent Minnesota court ruling has added to this discussion, indicating that web-only businesses are indeed subject to Title III, meaning a physical presence isn’t necessary.
The case Frost v. Lion Brand Yarn Company was filed in a federal trial court in Minnesota. It involved two legally blind people who claimed the craft yarn seller’s website wasn’t compatible with screen readers, making it impossible for them to make an online purchase.
The company tried to dismiss the case, arguing that the ADA only applies to physical stores. The court disagreed, stating that the ADA aims to make both physical and online spaces accessible.
Web Accessibility is Now a Legal Imperative for Businesses
This decision reinforces existing legal precedent in some jurisdictions by noting that web-only businesses are increasingly required to follow ADA regulations, while some courts have ruled that the ADA applies only to physical locations. This difference in opinion to classify websites as public spaces under the ADA poses a riskier litigation environment for businesses.
Companies must not only consider their legal obligations regarding web accessibility but also recognize their ethical responsibility to ensure that everyone can navigate and use their digital platforms effectively.
At EcomBack, our mission is to make all websites inclusive for individuals with disabilities, helping businesses achieve digital accessibility and prevent potential lawsuits. We offer services such as manual accessibility audits, remediation, user testing, training, and ongoing maintenance.
