Guides · Article 50 · EU AI Act
What is an AI disclosure?
An AI disclosure is, in plain terms, a notice that tells people they are dealing with artificial intelligence — for example that a chatbot is automated, or that an image was AI-generated. This beginner's guide explains what an AI disclosure is, why the EU AI Act requires one in certain cases, and what they can look like. It is informational only and not legal advice.
The basic idea
The point of an AI disclosure is transparency: making sure a person is not misled into thinking AI-driven interactions or AI-generated content are something else. It can be a line in a chatbot's first message, a label on a generated image, or a note that a video was artificially generated. The exact form depends on the situation and on what a given rule asks for.
Why Article 50 requires it in certain cases
Under the EU AI Act, Article 50 sets transparency obligations for certain AI systems. In defined situations it points toward disclosure — for instance, providers ensuring people are informed they are interacting with an AI system (Article 50(1)), and deployers disclosing that deepfake content is artificially generated or manipulated (Article 50(4)). These duties come with conditions and carve-outs, and Article 50(5) adds that the information must be clear, distinguishable, given at the latest at the first interaction or exposure, and meet accessibility requirements. Whether any of this applies to your case is fact-specific — verify with qualified counsel.
Simple examples
These are illustrative only, to show the idea — not approved wording or legal advice:
- 'You're chatting with an AI assistant.'
- 'This image was generated by AI.'
- 'This audio has been artificially generated.'
Common questions
Is an AI disclosure legally required?
It can be, in certain cases. The EU AI Act's Article 50 sets transparency obligations for specific kinds of AI systems, subject to conditions and exceptions. Whether one is required for your situation is fact-specific — confirm with qualified counsel. Our free scope check gives an informational starting point.
See what may apply to your business
Answer seven quick questions for an automated, informational indication of which Article 50 obligations appear likely to apply — free, and not legal advice.