EU AI Act · Art. 50(2)

Mark AI-generated content machine-readably

Embed machine-readable markers in synthetic audio, image, video, and text. A visible label alone does not satisfy this duty. Exempt to the extent the system only performs an assistive standard-editing function or does not substantially alter the deployer's input or its meaning.

What do you actually have to do?

Embed machine-readable markers in synthetic audio, image, video, and text. A visible label alone does not satisfy this duty. Exempt to the extent the system only performs an assistive standard-editing function or does not substantially alter the deployer's input or its meaning.

Statutory basis: Art. 50(2) — https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/article/50/

Who does this apply to?

  • Provider

When does it apply?

  • 2026-12-02 — 2 December 2026 for systems already on the market before 2 August 2026 (Art. 111(4), Digital Omnibus)
  • 2026-08-02 — from 2 August 2026

Does ISO 42001 or NIST AI RMF cover this duty?

Requirement-level mappings from Shieldra's crosswalk pack (v2026.07.30). Partial mappings contribute evidence but deliberately do not count as coverage.

Mapped requirementStrengthWhy (and what’s missing)
NIST AI RMF MEASURE-2.8PartialMachine-readable provenance marking is one transparency control the 2.8 examination covers; the RMF does not itself require marking synthetic content.

Disclaimer

Compliance guidance, not legal advice. Confirm obligations with counsel. Pack verified 2026-09-16.

Frequently asked questions

What does "Mark AI-generated content machine-readably" require?

Embed machine-readable markers in synthetic audio, image, video, and text. A visible label alone does not satisfy this duty. Exempt to the extent the system only performs an assistive standard-editing function or does not substantially alter the deployer's input or its meaning.

When does this obligation apply?

2 December 2026 for systems already on the market before 2 August 2026 (Art. 111(4), Digital Omnibus). from 2 August 2026

Who does this obligation apply to?

The provider role under the EU AI Act. Statutory basis: Art. 50(2).