Commission starts enforcing AI Act rules and new transparency requirements on 2 August

Specific obligation effective 2 August 2026

From 2 August 2026 companies operating in the EU must implement the AI Act transparency obligations - according to the European Commission, certain AI systems must notify users when they are interacting with AI, and content generated or altered by AI must be labelled and carry machine-readable marks. Chatbots must explicitly indicate they are AI, and deepfakes (images, video, audio) must be labelled (per the Commission).

How to prepare processes and technical solutions to ensure compliance

1. Inventory AI systems: identify interactive chatbots, content generators and systems that modify multimedia.
2. Design visible user disclosures: UI text/icons clearly stating "this is an AI system" - test readability across devices and channels.
3. Implement machine-readable marks: define metadata and formats (e.g. embedded metadata or watermarking) that enable automated detection of AI-generated content.
4. Update change-management processes: publishing rules, QA procedures and pre-release checklists for generated content.
5. Introduce registries and logs: keep records of model versions, datasets and automated decisions to support inspections by national authorities and the Commission's AI Office (per the Commission).
6. Train teams: product, legal, security and customer support on disclosures and complaint handling procedures.

Where the main compliance pitfalls lie and what to monitor

Key risks include inconsistent labelling across products, lack of standardized metadata (hindering detectability), and conflicts between disclosure and privacy law. Poorly worded or misleading labels increase the likelihood of regulatory action. Monitor both operational and technical compliance and be prepared to respond to requests from national authorities.

Summary

Preparation combines process and technical work: inventory, clear UI disclosures, machine-readable metadata/watermarks, record-keeping and staff training. Obligations and details come from the European Commission (Digital Strategy). Recommended action: conduct an urgent readiness audit and consult counsel experienced in EU law.

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