Should AI-generated content be legally required to carry a watermark or disclosure?

AI-generated content refers to text, images, video, or audio created by algorithms rather than humans. These systems are powered by models trained on large datasets and can mimic human expression with increasing realism. The most common types of generative models include language models (like GPT), image generators (such as DALL·E and Midjourney), and video or audio synthesis tools capable of producing lifelike outputs. The concept of watermarking in this context involves embedding a marker—visible or invisible—into the content that signals it was created by AI. A disclosure, by contrast, is a clear statement accompanying the content, typically written or tagged, indicating that the material is machine-generated. These identifiers are often used in journalism, social media, and content platforms to denote origin or authorship. Historically, the question of labeling machine-produced content dates back to earlier AI tools like auto-generated news articles and spam bots, but became more prominent with the rise of deep learning models in the 2010s. As generative AI entered public use around 2022–2023, with tools becoming widely available for both professionals and casual users, institutions began developing guidelines on transparency and traceability. International bodies like the EU and UNESCO, along with tech companies, have proposed various frameworks for disclosing AI involvement.