WhatsApp Tests an AI Label in Its Channels

Key Takeaways

1WhatsApp is testing a "AI-generated content" label in its channels

2The label applies to images, videos, and other media created or modified by AI

3Feature available for select beta testers on Android and iOS, irreversible addition

4Automatic detection possible according to local laws

Why it matters : This feature anticipates the transparency obligations of the AI Act and is part of a broader movement for labeling AI content by major platforms.

WhatsApp introduces a "content generated by AI" label in channels, now accessible to some beta testers on Android and iOS. The labeling targets all media created or edited by AI and can be applied automatically where required by law.

Transparency Required in Europe and Existing Initiatives

The enforcement of transparency obligations under the AI Act regarding AI-generated content is set to take effect in the European Union starting August 2, 2026. The regulation mandates the identification of deepfakes, informational texts disseminated without human editorial intervention, as well as chatbots and conversational agents utilizing AI. Systems that existed prior to the adoption of the text will benefit from a transition period until December 2, 2026, to comply. Several players have already rolled out labeling tools, including TikTok, Meta, and Google. Google is collaborating with Nvidia, OpenAI, and Apple on digital labeling solutions like SynthID. Anthropic has integrated an invisible watermark into texts generated by Claude.

Limited Availability and Announced Gradual Rollout

The label is being offered to a portion of Android beta testers in version 2.26.34.5 via the Google Play Store, and to a portion of iOS beta testers in version 26.34.10.70 via TestFlight. WhatsApp announces a gradual rollout without providing a timeline. The presence of the feature has been spotted on Android and iOS by WABetaInfo, and access remains currently restricted to certain testers.

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Scope of the Labeling and Conditional Automatic Detection

The label "content generated by AI" pertains to images, videos, and any type of media produced or modified using an AI tool, whether it comes from Meta AI, ChatGPT, Gemini, or other solutions. Once this label is added to a channel post, it appears in the lower left corner of the bubble, near the view count and timestamp, and it cannot be removed after validation. WhatsApp also specifies that it is capable of detecting and automatically adding this indication on channels when local legislation requires it, without specifying the countries involved.

Adding the Label: Same Steps on Android and iOS

The procedure is identical on Android and iOS, with a difference based on location. For a post published in a channel, you need to long-press the item or open it, select "Add AI content mention," and then confirm by tapping "Add mention." For a channel status, you should open the status, select "Add AI content mention," and then validate by pressing "Add mention."