WhatsApp is testing an AI content label for channels

WhatsApp is working on a new label for channel admins that flags AI-generated media in their updates. In some countries, users have a legal obligation to disclose when media is AI-generated. WhatsApp is building a tool to help them meet this requirement in their channels.

WhatsApp introduced a paid partnership label for channel admins

Last month, we reported that WhatsApp is gradually introducing a paid partnership label for channel admins on Android and iOS. The label lets admins mark an update as sponsored content, so followers always know that the content is part of a commercial deal. WhatsApp introduced this feature in response to some disclosure requirements that apply in several countries. The paid partnership label was the first step toward building transparency tools within channels.

WhatsApp is now working on a label for AI-generated content

WhatsApp is now developing a similar label for a different type of content. Instead of sponsored deals, the new label targets AI-generated media. We discovered this feature with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.31.1 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. Specifically, WhatsApp is testing an AI content label that channel admins can add to updates that contain media generated by artificial intelligence.

How the AI content label works for channel admins

The label works in a way that channel admins already know from the paid partnership feature. After sharing an update that contains AI-generated media, the admin can tap and hold the message to open the context menu. Here, there will be a new option called "Add AI content label". This action adds a visible label to the message bubble, so followers can immediately see that the media was generated using artificial intelligence. After adding the AI label, users may not be able to remove it.

Text messages and Writing Help may be exempt

Not all AI-assisted content may fall under this label. For example, WhatsApp may exempt text messages from the requirement, even if the text was drafted with the help of an AI tool. This means that content generated using WhatsApp's Writing Help feature may also be exempt. The label is designed specifically for media files. It makes sense when you think about it. Sometimes, a realistic AI-generated photo is much harder to spot than an AI sentence.

Why some channel admins need to label AI content

The push for AI content disclosure is not just an ethical choice. In some regions, it is a legal obligation. Some regions have legislation that requires transparency for AI-generated media. This legislation mandates apps and services to introduce a label for such content. This new AI content label developed by WhatsApp will give channel admins a simple way to meet these obligations.

The label applies to any AI tool, not just Meta AI

The AI content label is not limited to content generated with Meta AI. A channel admin who creates an image using ChatGPT, Gemini, or any other AI tool should add this label. WhatsApp does not restrict the label to its own ecosystem. The obligation to disclose AI-generated content applies regardless of which tool produced it. This means that the label covers any AI tool that admins might use to create content for their channels.

WhatsApp is developing the AI content label for a future Android update

The AI content label for channel admins is currently under development on Android. This means that WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers yet. WhatsApp will release this feature to some beta testers in the future. At the moment, WhatsApp has not announced when this feature will be available to the public. Although this post is specifically about Android, WhatsApp is also working on bringing the same feature to the iOS app as well.

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