AI video, voice and image tools: the 2 December 2026 EU marking deadline for UK providers
Short answer: If your UK tool generates synthetic audio, images, video or text used in the EU, its outputs must be marked in a machine-readable, detectable way (Art 50(2)). Systems placed on the market before 2 Aug 2026 have until 2 Dec 2026. Newer systems must comply now. Deepfake disclosure by deployers (Art 50(4)) gets no extra time.
What to do before 2 December
- Inventory each generator (video, voice, image, text) and its launch date
- Choose and document a marking method (metadata/watermark) and test it survives export
- Tell EU customers how to label deepfakes they publish
- Keep test evidence and a dated record
The Commission has published a voluntary Code of Practice on transparency of AI-generated content, with a public, growing list of signatories.
Next step: record your AI systems in the EURO AI Register free edition. It runs in your browser, with no account and no upload. Paid plan from $19/month if you need more.
Official sources
- https://ai-act-service-desk.ec.europa.eu/en/ai-act/article-50
- https://ai-act-service-desk.ec.europa.eu/en/ai-act/timeline/timeline-implementation-eu-ai-act
- https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-starts-enforcing-ai-act-rules-and-new-transparency-requirements-2-august
- https://bratby.law/digital-omnibus-ai-high-risk-delay/
General information, not legal advice. Unadhi is not affiliated with the UK Government, the ICO/Information Commission or any EU authority.
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