AI Disclosure (Chatbot Labelling)

AI disclosure means the notice to customers that they are writing to an AI system instead of a human. In the EU AI Act it is anchored in Article 50(1): anyone deploying a chatbot must inform users. The obligation applies from 2 August 2026. In practice, a clear note at the start of the conversation is usually enough.

What is AI disclosure?

AI disclosure, often also called chatbot labelling, is the information to the customer that an artificial intelligence, not a human, is replying on the other side. It is the practical core of the transparency obligation from the EU AI Act and affects every business that deploys an AI chatbot in customer contact.

Quick note: this article is orientation, not legal advice. For your specific case, a lawyer can help.

The legal basis: Article 50(1)

Article 50(1) of the EU AI Act requires that people are informed when they interact with an AI system. Translated into everyday life, this means: if a customer writes to your business and an AI replies first, they have to be able to recognise it. The obligation applies from 2 August 2026.

What does a good disclosure look like?

An effective AI disclosure is clear, early-visible and not hidden. Phrasings that work well include: "Hello, our digital assistant is replying first. I'm happy to connect you with a member of the team at any time." Three points make it good:

• Early. The note sits at the start, not in the small print.
• Clear. No euphemisms, but an unambiguous "digital assistant" or "AI".
• With a way out. The option to hand over to a human lowers the barrier and increases acceptance.

Why disclosure pays off

Disclosure is not only an obligation, it also builds trust. Experience shows customers respond positively to bots when they know where they stand and switching to the team is possible at any time. Anyone who, by contrast, passes a bot off as a human risks disappointment and, from August 2026, a breach of the AI Act on top.

AI disclosure with SendSeven

SendSeven brings WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, Instagram, Messenger, email, live chat and browser push into one inbox. The AI assistant comes with a configurable AI disclosure: you store your own notice text and mention the handover to a member of the team. That makes the chatbot labelling under Article 50(1) done in a few minutes, set up through the AI bots. GDPR-compliant, Made in Germany, Meta Business Partner. Try it free for 14 days, no credit card.