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Article 50(2), 50(5); Article 111(4)

CurrentConditional timing

Mark Synthetic AI Outputs in a Machine-Readable and Detectable Format

Applies to Provider; AI systems generating synthetic audio, image, video or text.

Actors
Provider
Context
Synthetic Content
Themes
Governance & Accountability

Tracker Guidance

Use technically feasible, effective, interoperable, robust and reliable solutions so synthetic audio, image, video or text outputs are marked in machine-readable form and detectable as artificially generated or manipulated, taking account of the content, implementation costs and the generally acknowledged state of the art. Apply the standard-editing and law-enforcement exceptions where relevant and the Article 50(5) transparency requirements. For qualifying systems placed on the market before 2 August 2026, Article 111(4) provides until 2 December 2026 to comply with Article 50(2).

Official text

Article 50(2)Official source
2. Providers of AI systems, including general-purpose AI systems, generating synthetic audio, image, video or text content, shall ensure that the outputs of the AI system are marked in a machine-readable format and detectable as artificially generated or manipulated. Providers shall ensure their technical solutions are effective, interoperable, robust and reliable as far as this is technically feasible, taking into account the specificities and limitations of various types of content, the costs of implementation and the generally acknowledged state of the art, as may be reflected in relevant technical standards. This obligation shall not apply to the extent the AI systems perform an assistive function for standard editing or do not substantially alter the input data provided by the deployer or the semantics thereof, or where authorised by law to detect, prevent, investigate or prosecute criminal offences.
Article 50(5)Official source
5. The information referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 shall be provided to the natural persons concerned in a clear and distinguishable manner at the latest at the time of the first interaction or exposure. The information shall conform to the applicable accessibility requirements.
Article 111(4)Official source
4. Providers of AI systems, including general-purpose AI systems, generating synthetic audio, image, video or text content, that have been placed on the market before 2 August 2026 shall take the necessary steps in order to comply with Article 50(2) by 2 December 2026.

Timing depends on the system

  • 2 Aug 2026Article 50(2) synthetic-content system placed on the market on or after 2026-08-02
  • 2 Dec 2026Article 50(2) synthetic-content system placed on the market before 2026-08-02

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Article 50(2), 50(5); Article 111(4): Mark Synthetic AI Outputs in a Machine-Readable and Detectable Format | EU AI Act Library