EU AI Act Mandates Labels on Realistic AI Architectural Renderings

As of 2 August 2026, Article 50 of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act requires creators of realistic AI-generated images, audio, or video in the European Union to disclose their artificial origin. This includes architectural renderings, which are likely to fall under the act's definition of 'deepfakes' if they resemble existing or plausible places and appear authentic. The provision aims to reduce deception. Szymon Sieniewicz, counsel at law firm Addleshaw Goddard, told Dezeen that realistic AI-generated scenery with people walking around will need to be labelled. The act, passed in 2024, imposes fines up to €15 million or 3% of annual turnover for violations, though Sieniewicz expects regulators to be lenient initially. The European Commission's AI Office has released icons for labelling, and the accompanying Code of Practice recommends using 'AI generated' or 'AI modified' text. The rules also affect AI-modified product photos, AI chatbots, and AI-generated text on public interest matters. Exemptions exist for artistic works, but promotional content like architectural renderings is not exempt. The implementation is welcomed by architectural visualisation artists who argue AI diminishes their craft and raises copyright concerns.