Total Transparency: The Reader Must Know

Under the AI Act's classification, AI-generated content falls into the "limited risk" category. The direct consequence for online press: the public must not be misled.

In concrete terms, any illustrative image produced by artificial intelligence must be clearly marked. A text mention in the caption (such as "Image generated by AI") becomes an ethical as well as a legal requirement. Masking the artificial origin of a visual—especially in a journalistic context dealing with real events—exposes the media outlet to accusations of disinformation and heavy financial penalties under the European regulation.

The Technical Challenge: From Watermarks to C2PA Signals

However, the law does not stop at a simple line of text below the image. It also requires this content to be "machine-readable." Simply put, digital files must embed proof of their artificial origin.

This is where technology meets the law. Most major generators already embed invisible watermarks or standardized signals by default (arising from the international C2PA initiative). The trap for website managers often lies within the publishing workflow:

  • A simple run through an overly aggressive image compression tool or the removal of metadata (EXIF) during upload can erase this digital passport.

  • Publishers must therefore ensure these technical details are preserved when integrating visuals into their CMS (such as WordPress).

Toward More Rigorous Journalism

Beyond purely graphic considerations, this regulation serves as a reminder of an obvious truth for content creators: generative AI is a support tool, not a substitute for journalistic verification. Whether designing illustrative visuals or writing short news briefs, editorial responsibility remains entirely in human hands.

Conclusion: Turning Your Platform into a Model of Compliance Under the AI Act

By adopting these best practices today—whether through caption transparency or by respecting technical traceability signals on images—a news website proves that it fully meets the requirements of the AI Act. Far from being a mere technical constraint, achieving compliance becomes a badge of credibility and transparency, offering lasting protection for the outlet while guaranteeing readers trustworthy and authentic information.