Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-Generated Content
The voluntary route to Article 50 compliance. Final text published June 10, 2026; the Commission found it adequate on July 8, 2026. Signatories commit to a two-layer approach, secured metadata plus watermarks, and to keeping marks non-removable to the best of their ability.
What it is
The Code translates Article 50 into commitments a provider can sign. Section one, for providers, sets the two-layer approach: secured metadata such as C2PA plus an imperceptible watermark, with a commitment to keep marks non-removable to the best of the signatory's ability and to make detection available to appropriate parties. Section two, for deployers, covers labelling deepfakes and published AI text. The Commission's July 8, 2026 opinion gives signatories a presumption of conformity, which is why the large providers aligned their watermark launches with it.
When to use this entry
Cite it for the two-layer marking approach and for the presumption of conformity.
Questions
Is the Code of Practice binding?
It is voluntary, but signatories gain a presumption of conformity with Article 50.
When was the final Code published?
June 10, 2026, with the Commission's adequacy opinion on July 8, 2026.