Full Breakdown
EU Commission Publishes Voluntary Code of Practice on AI-Generated Content Labelling
6/12/2026, 10:46:43 PM
Core Event: Publication of the Voluntary Code of Practice
On 10 June 2026 the European Commission released the final Code of Practice on marking and labelling AI-generated content. The voluntary framework is designed to help providers and deployers meet the transparency obligations of the EU AI Act, which take effect on 2 August 2026. The Act requires clear labelling of deepfakes and AI-generated or AI-manipulated text on matters of public interest, and mandates that users be informed when they interact with interactive AI systems such as chat-bots.
Background & Context: AI Act Transparency Requirements
The AI Act establishes a legal regime for high-risk AI and, from August 2026, obliges entities to disclose AI-generated content that could affect public discourse. The transparency rules aim to enable citizens to identify synthetic media, thereby reducing deception and misinformation. The Code of Practice offers practical guidance to meet these statutory duties.
Key Figures & Stakeholder Involvement
Six independent experts drafted the Code, which incorporated feedback from more than 180 stakeholders, including AI providers, deployers, industry associations, SMEs, academia, public-sector bodies and civil-society groups. The European Commission and the AI Board will evaluate the Code before it can be used as evidence of compliance.
Data & Statistics
- Effective date of AI Act transparency duties: 2 August 2026.
- Drafting experts: six independent specialists.
- Stakeholder input: over 180 participants.
- Code structure: two sections (Providers, Deployers).
- Status: open for signatures, pending Commission and AI Board approval.
Official Statements & Responses
The Commission presented the Code as a voluntary, practical tool that aligns with the AI Act’s broader objectives and supports responsible AI development across the EU. It announced forthcoming guidelines to clarify legal scope and address gaps, and noted that signatories will demonstrate compliance once the Code is formally endorsed.
Criticism & Opposition
The sources do not report any dissenting viewpoints or criticism regarding the Code of Practice; no organized opposition or alternative proposals are documented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Code is voluntary and sets out practical steps to help providers and deployers of generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems meet the AI Act transparency obligations that will apply from 2 August 2026.” — European Commission
- “The Code was drafted by six independent experts,with input from over 180 stakeholders.” — European Commission
- “The code has been opened for signatures, and the commission invited providers and deployers of AI systems to join the initiative.” — European Commission
- “These transparency requirements help people recognise when content has been generated or altered by AI, reducing the risk of deception and manipulation.” — European Commission
What’s Next: Signatures, Guidelines, and Implementation
The Code remains open for entities to endorse. After the European Commission and AI Board certify its adequacy, signatories will be able to use the Code as evidence of compliance with the AI Act’s transparency duties from 2 August 2026. The Commission will issue detailed guidelines to further clarify obligations and support providers and deployers in applying the labeling regime.
