What is the AI content labeling requirement?

From 2 August 2026, certain AI content must be clearly recognizable to people. For example deepfakes, AI chatbots, and AI texts on important public topics that no human has reviewed. This comes from Art. 50 of the EU AI Act.

Must every AI image be labeled?

No. What matters is whether the content looks real and is published. Illustrations and obviously artificial graphics are usually exempt; photorealistic product or lifestyle mockups often are not.

Does this checker replace legal advice?

No. This is orientation only. For borderline cases, consult a qualified lawyer.

Does this AI content need to be labeled?

Your selection

Which role applies to you?: Operator
Where will the content be used?: Web & Shop
Which scenario applies?: AI rendering of a product that does not exist yet

Special case

No classic AI Act duty, but other risks apply. Without an existing object the deepfake definition barely applies. Instead you risk misleading advertising if the image suggests a shippable product.

Legal basis: Art. 50 EU AI Act

How to implement

•Mark it as a concept illustration or prototype whose production version may differ. Re-check at launch: the object then exists.
•Place the label directly on the image or video. Not in terms or at the end of the description.
•Videos: notice at the start and repeat regularly.

Was this check helpful for you?

Orientation based on the EU AI Act (Art. 50). Not legal advice. For borderline cases consult a qualified lawyer. Effective from 02.08.2026 · ai-act-checker.com · As of 2026-08-15

Checklists & templates

In addition to the interactive checker: printable overviews from the KI Kennzeichnung project folder. Open in browser and save as PDF.

Checklists →

Frequently asked questions

What is the AI content labeling requirement?: From 2 August 2026, certain AI content must be clearly recognizable to people. For example deepfakes, AI chatbots, and AI texts on important public topics that no human has reviewed. This comes from Art. 50 of the EU AI Act.
Must every AI image be labeled?: No. What matters is whether the content looks real and is published. Illustrations and obviously artificial graphics are usually exempt; photorealistic product or lifestyle mockups often are not.
Does this checker replace legal advice?: No. This is orientation only. For borderline cases, consult a qualified lawyer.

More background: AI labeling requirements · Article 50 · Checklists

Does this AI content need to be labeled?

Your selection

Special case

How to implement

Checklists & templates

AI Labeling — Checklist

Decision Tree

Scenario Cards

Frequently asked questions

Does this AI content need to be labeled?

Your selection

Special case

How to implement