With the EU AI Act, transparency becomes a central requirement for the use of artificial intelligence in visual content. Images created by AI must be clearly labeled to prevent confusion with human-made works. The regulation aims to ensure that users can easily recognize when a picture is generated, especially in contexts where authenticity matters, such as journalism, education, or political communication.
The labeling should be simple, visible, and understandable for all audiences. Phrases like “AI-generated” or “This image was created using AI” are recommended. Labels must not be hidden in metadata or placed in a way that users could overlook them. At the same time, technical measures such as watermarking and metadata can complement visible labels to support traceability across platforms and systems.
In sensitive areas, stricter rules apply. Here, the absence of clear labeling could not only mislead but also damage trust. Consistent and transparent practices help organizations, creators, and platforms comply with legal obligations while maintaining credibility with their audiences.
Key points to follow:
- Ensure consistency across all channels and platforms.
- Always use clear wording such as “AI-generated”.
- Place the label visibly, not only in metadata.
- Use technical tools (metadata, watermarks) where possible.
- Apply stricter transparency in sensitive contexts (news, politics, education).
Tools for labeling AI images
To label AI images, we provide various tools:
WordPress plugin “WP AI Image Labeler”
The WordPress plugin “WP AI Image Labeler” allows images in the media library to be marked as “AI-generated.” It creates a new version of the image with an overlay (e.g., “AI” label) and can optionally replace all usages of the image on the website with the labeled version.
Main features:
- Configurable: overlay upload, position, size, replacement option
- Checkbox in the media library: “AI generated”
- Generates an image with overlay (transparent PNG)
- Optional: automatic replacement in content
- Undo function: removes labeling and restores the original image
Online tool for labeling AI images
For single or occasional use, a manual online tool can be used. The tool adds a visible badge for AI-generated images directly in the browser. Processing takes place locally only — no image data is transmitted to external servers. This makes the tool GDPR-compliant, as no personal data is processed or shared. Users can choose from different badge designs and adjust position and size individually. Supported image formats include JPG, PNG, and WebP.
Access the online tool for labeling AI images here.
