Brussels, July 31, 2026 – The Europe Today: The European Union will begin implementing and enforcing key provisions of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act from August 2, 2026, marking a major step in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence across the bloc.
The European Commission announced that its AI Office, working alongside national regulatory authorities, will oversee the enforcement of the legislation, which introduces new transparency obligations aimed at ensuring the responsible and trustworthy use of AI technologies.
Under the new rules, certain AI systems will be required to clearly inform users when they are interacting with artificial intelligence rather than a human. Chatbots and other interactive AI applications must disclose their AI nature, enabling users to make informed decisions during their interactions.
The regulation also introduces mandatory labelling requirements for AI-generated or AI-manipulated content. Deepfakes—including images, videos, and audio created or altered using artificial intelligence—must be clearly identified, while AI-generated or modified content will be required to carry machine-readable markers to facilitate easier detection.
According to the European Commission, the new measures are designed to reduce the risks of deception and manipulation, strengthen public trust in AI technologies, and improve transparency in the rapidly evolving digital environment.
The Commission noted that the framework also provides businesses with clear legal obligations and practical guidance for demonstrating compliance with the AI Act.
In support of the new transparency requirements, the European Commission has published an initial list of more than 180 organisations that have signed the Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-Generated Content, a voluntary framework intended to help operationalise the Act’s transparency provisions and encourage responsible AI deployment.
The AI Act is widely regarded as one of the world’s first comprehensive legal frameworks governing artificial intelligence, reflecting the European Union’s commitment to balancing technological innovation with the protection of fundamental rights, consumer trust, and digital safety.
