The EU icons for AI-generated content.
Reviewed
Short answer
The EU icons are three free, optional symbols from the European Commission for labelling AI-generated content: a basic icon, a “Fully AI-Generated” icon and a “Partially AI-Modified” icon. Using them does not by itself make you compliant: the duty to label deepfakes and certain text under Article 50(4) of the AI Act is mandatory, and the icons belong to Section 2 of the Code of Practice on AI-generated content, whose signatories must follow its placement rules.
Official source: European Commission: EU Icons for labelling AI-generated content
Which icon, when
| Icon | When to use it | Examples given by the Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Basic icon | AI was involved in creating deepfake content (image, audio, video) or published text, or a custom text label or an interactive second layer is used | A deepfake video with the text label “voices generated with” followed by the basic icon |
| Fully AI-Generated | The whole deepfake or text was generated by AI, with no human-created elements or editorial control apart from prompting | Fully AI-generated deepfake videos of politicians or fictional events; fully AI-composed music or art; AI-generated news summaries |
| Partially AI-Modified | Pre-existing human-made content was partly modified with AI, turning it into a deepfake or text on matters of public interest | A face in an authentic photo swapped with a politician’s face; photos of an empty flat furnished with AI |
Each icon comes in four variations: black, white, and black or white at 50% transparency, downloadable as SVG and PNG from the Commission’s page. The Commission says the icons were user-tested and that the basic icon performed better on all measures when a short text label (for example “modified”) went with it.
Where to place it
- Clearly perceivable at the latest when a person first sees or hears the deepfake or text.
- Where no overlay covers it; the Code of Practice gives the top right corner of an image or video as an example.
- Embedded in the content itself (except creative works), unless an equivalent such as an on-screen interface overlay exists; it must stay visible when the content is reshared or downloaded.
- In videos: at the start and, where possible, at intervals and after breaks. Where nothing can be shown, an audible disclaimer replaces it.
- For evidently artistic or fictional works: placed so it does not hamper the work, for example in the credits or the description.
Accessibility
- A clearly visible size.
- Plain-language label text without jargon; no abbreviations other than “AI”.
- Alt text or an ARIA label saying the content is AI-generated or manipulated.
- If the label is shown only for a while, long enough for people with cognitive or processing difficulties.
- If a second interactive layer adds detail, the icon shows that more is available and the layer works with assistive technologies.
Licence and what the icon does not say
Anyone may use the icons freely, without attributing the Commission or the AI Office. Signatories of the code must use them according to its placement specifications, and the Commission notes that use by non-signatories should not be read as a sign that they adhere to the code. The icon also says nothing about who made the content or whether it is otherwise lawful; it is a disclosure.
Questions
- Do I have to use the EU icon?
- No. The Commission says use of the icons is optional but the labelling requirements of Article 50 are not; an equivalent clear label also works. Signatories of Section 2 of the Code of Practice commit to the icon or an equivalent label with its placement rules.
- Can I use the icon if my company has not signed the code?
- Yes. The icons are free for everyone without attribution; the Commission only notes that their use by non-signatories should not be taken to mean they adhere to the code.
Sources
- EU Icons for labelling AI-generated contentEuropean Commissionread
- Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-Generated Content (final text, PDF)European Commissionread
- Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-generated ContentEuropean Commission, Digital Strategyread
- AI Act, Article 50: Transparency obligationsEuropean Commission, AI Act Service Desk (AI Act Explorer)Consolidated text as at 27 July 2026 (includes the Digital Omnibus, Regulation (EU) 2026/1744), shown in the Commission’s AI Act Explorer.read
Last reviewed by Volkan Çatak, Founder, Proofcan.
Not legal advice. This page explains official texts in plain words and links each one; check the sources, or a lawyer, before relying on it for a decision.