The European Commission has published the first draft of the Code of Practice on the marking and labelling of AI-generated content, in line with the roadmap to finalise the Code by June 2026. The initiative supports the implementation of Article 50 of the AI Act, which introduces transparency obligations for AI-generated and manipulated content.
Under Article 50, providers of generative AI systems are required to mark AI-generated or manipulated content in a machine-readable format, while users deploying generative AI systems for professional purposes must clearly label deepfakes and certain AI-generated texts related to matters of public interest. To help stakeholders prepare ahead of the rules’ application, the Commission is facilitating the development of a voluntary Code of Practice, drafted by independent experts.
The draft Code is structured in two parts. The first section sets out practices for marking and detecting AI-generated content and applies to providers of generative AI systems. The second section focuses on the labelling of deepfakes and specific AI-generated or manipulated texts on matters of public interest, targeting deployers of generative AI systems.
A second draft is expected by mid-March 2026, with the final Code of Practice scheduled for adoption by June 2026. The transparency obligations for AI-generated content will become applicable across the EU on 2 August 2026.
