WhatsApp is rolling out AI content label for channels on Android
WhatsApp is introducing a feature that makes it easier for channel admins to disclose when they use AI to generate their media. The label lets followers know that the media was created or edited using an AI tool. In some countries, this label is not optional, but it is a legal requirement now.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | AI content label for channel updates |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.34.5 is a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers on the latest versions of WhatsApp for Android. |
| Thanks: | Akan and Radu Oncescu, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp introduces new security updates for iOS and Android! |
WhatsApp was testing an AI content label for channel admins
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.31.1 update, we announced a new label for channel admins. The label would let admins flag the updates they share as AI-generated. With this label, followers could immediately understand that the update was not created by a human. WhatsApp built this feature immediately after releasing the paid partnership label, which already lets admins disclose sponsored content. Both labels give users the context they need to understand the content they see.
WhatsApp is introducing the AI content label on Android
The legal requirements around AI content disclosure do not wait for anyone. As a result, WhatsApp is now making the new label available to some channel admins. We discovered this feature with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.34.5 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. Specifically, WhatsApp is rolling out the AI content label for channel admins on Android. This makes it possible for channel admins to meet their disclosure obligations.
How to add the AI content label to channel updates
Channel admins can label an update by tapping and holding it. This action presents the message menu, where users can find a new option called "Add AI content label". This option allows users to mark the update as AI-generated. WhatsApp explains that the label covers any images, videos, or other media made or edited using AI tools. Once users add the label, it becomes visible to everyone who sees the update. Note that WhatsApp may detect AI-generated content and apply the label automatically.
What the label shows to followers
Followers can see the tag "AI content" directly on the bubble. WhatsApp places the label in the bottom left corner of the message, so in the same area where there are other indicators like view counts and timestamps. Followers do not need to tap anything to see it, since the label is visible as soon as they open the channel. The label is small, but it is clear enough to communicate that the admin created or edited the media using an AI tool.
Channel admin cannot remove the label once they add it
Once channel admins add the AI content label, they cannot remove it. This is intentional since the label is a disclosure tool, not a toggle. Admins who add it cannot remove it, so no one can label an update just to comply and then quietly remove it later. Admins who are not sure whether their content qualifies should read the definition before confirming, since the action is permanent.
Why some channel admins are required to add this label
Some regulations require transparency for AI-generated content in certain regions. Channel admins in countries where this regulation applies are legally required to disclose when they use AI. With this feature, WhatsApp gives admins a new tool to add the label directly within the channel. The bottom sheet also notes that "Channel admins in your country are required to label channel updates that use AI content".
The label applies to any AI tool, not just Meta AI
Channel admins who create an image with ChatGPT, Gemini, or any other AI tool need to add the label after sharing it. This means that WhatsApp does not limit the requirement to content generated with Meta AI. Any media made or edited using an AI tool falls under the same obligation. However, it does not matter how much AI was involved. When channel admins use any AI tool to create or edit their media, even for minor refinements, they need to add the label.
WhatsApp is rolling out the AI content label to some Android beta testers
This feature is currently available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp update from the Google Play Store. WhatsApp is rolling out this feature gradually, so it may not be immediately visible after installing the latest update. If the label doesn't appear yet, it should become available to more accounts over the coming weeks. At the moment, WhatsApp has not announced when this feature will be widely available.
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