EU to Mandate Watermarks for AI-Generated Media

The European Commission has issued a practical guide to enforce the upcoming AI Act’s requirement that AI‑generated images, videos, audio and text be clearly labelled. Visual content must display a watermark in a corner indicating it is “AI‑generated” or “AI‑modified”, while videos and podcasts should include spoken notices at the beginning and periodic on‑screen labels. Interactive cues, such as hover‑over markers on altered images, are also recommended.

The guidelines are non‑binding but will serve as a benchmark for the Commission’s oversight. The rules are slated to start in early August, with full mandatory compliance for large providers delayed until December due to a recent postponement of parts of the legislation.