InfoCons Informs You : How Can You Recognize Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) – Generated Content ? The Commission Has Launched the Code of Practice on Marking and Labelling
The European Commission has published the final Code of Practice on the Marking and Labelling of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Generated Content. The Code is voluntary and is designed to support companies that develop or use generative AI systems, helping them comply with the transparency requirements set out in the AI Act, which will become applicable from 2 August 2026.
What Will Change Starting from 2 August 2026
From this date, the AI Act will require clear labelling in situations that are particularly important for the public:
- Deepfakes (fake images, audio recordings, or videos created to appear real) will have to be clearly labelled.
- AI-generated or AI-modified texts published on matters of public interest will also need to be labelled.
- When interacting with a chatbot or another AI system, users will be informed that they are not communicating with a real person.
In short, it will become easier to recognize when content has been created or modified by AI, reducing the risk of deception or manipulation.
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Why This Matters to You
Today, an image or a piece of text can appear completely authentic even though it was generated by software. These new rules provide a simple tool for consumers: a label that helps distinguish between what is real and what has been artificially created.
This means better-informed decisions and greater confidence in the information you consume every day.
Who Developed the Code
The Code was drafted by six independent experts, with the support of more than 180 stakeholders, including:
- Companies developing or using AI systems;
- Industry associations;
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
- Academic institutions;
- Public authorities;
- Civil society organizations.
The Two Main Components of the Code
The Code contains two sections, depending on the role of each stakeholder:
For Providers (those who create AI systems)
Guidance on how to ensure that AI-generated audio, images, videos, and texts are marked in a machine-readable format that can be automatically recognized as artificially generated content.
For Deployers (those who use AI systems)
Guidance on how deepfakes and AI-generated texts published on matters of public interest should be clearly labelled, particularly when they have not undergone human verification or editorial review.
These transparency requirements complement the existing obligations under the AI Act for general-purpose AI models and high-risk AI systems, supporting the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence across the European Union.
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What Happens Next
The Code is now open for signatures, and the Commission invites all providers and deployers to join.
Once the European Commission and the AI Board confirm that the Code is appropriate, companies that sign it will be able to demonstrate compliance with the obligations set out in the AI Act, which will apply from 2 August 2026.
In addition, the Code will be supplemented by Commission guidance that will clarify the legal requirements and provide practical solutions for issues not fully covered by the Code itself.
Stay Informed! Take Action!
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly present in our everyday lives. With InfoCons, you can learn how to recognize AI-generated content and protect your right to accurate and transparent information.
Source: European Commission
Signature: InfoCons Communication Department
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