Even if your chatbot is not classified as "high-risk", Article 50 of the AI Act imposes specific transparency obligations. The goal: to ensure that users always know when they are interacting with AI.
Why is transparency crucial?
The European legislator considered that certain uses of AI, even non-risky ones, require that people be informed. This helps preserve their decision-making autonomy and prevent manipulation.
Natural persons should be notified that they are interacting with an AI system, unless this is obvious from the circumstances.
This obligation applies from August 2026 and covers a wide range of systems.
Which systems are affected?
Article 50 targets three types of systems:
Chatbots and assistants
Any system intended to interact directly with natural persons.
Image generation
Systems that generate synthetic images, audio or video.
Deepfakes
Content that manipulates or generates content resembling real people.
Detailed obligations
Obligations vary by system type:
For chatbots
Deployers must ensure that people are informed they are interacting with an AI system, unless it is obvious given the circumstances and context of use.
I am a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence. How can I help you?
The message must be clear, visible and understandable to the average user.
For deepfakes and generated content
Obligations are stricter for synthetic content:
- Mention that the content has been artificially generated or manipulated
- Use machine-readable marking when technically feasible
- Exception for artistic, satirical or fictional content clearly presented as such
How to become compliant?
Here is a summary of actions to implement based on your system:
| System type | Obligation | How to do it? |
|---|---|---|
| Customer chatbot | AI interaction notice | Welcome message + mention in interface |
| Image generator | Content marking | Visible watermark + metadata |
| Voice synthesizer | Synthesis notice | Oral mention + file marking |
Key points to watch
Some aspects deserve increased vigilance during compliance:
Integrate notification at the design stage (privacy by design). It's easier than modifying an existing system and demonstrates your commitment to compliance.
Check your transparency compliance
Our audit evaluates whether your systems meet Article 50 obligations.
Start free auditTransparency is not just a legal obligation: it's also a guarantee of trust for your users. By clearly communicating about AI use, you strengthen your credibility and prepare for the public's growing expectations regarding digital ethics.
