Labeling AI-Generated Content in TYPO3
Information current as of: July 27, 2026
Why is labeling necessary?
Starting August 2, 2026, the EU AI Regulation—also known as the EU AI Act—requires that AI-generated content (images, text, audio, and video) be transparently labeled. Website visitors should be able to clearly determine at any time whether the media displayed is real or was generated by artificial intelligence.
Important Notes
- This topic page covers only the media types that can be tagged in the TYPO3 backend: images and text.
- The labeling of relevant videos and audio files must be done outside of TYPO3.
- The recommended actions are limited to the TU Dortmund University TYPO3 websites and should not be considered universally applicable.
- The recommendations are based on the current version of the EU regulation. Since the transparency requirement is still new at this stage, adjustments or further clarification may occur in the coming months.
What AI content should be labeled in the TYPO3 backend?
Images (Labeling is required)
All AI-generated images classified as “deepfakes” must be labeled. This applies to all AI-generated images that appear deceptively real and where it is not immediately apparent at first glance that they were artificially created.
Examples of Deepfakes
The following images were generated entirely by AI. At first glance and without prior knowledge, it is not apparent that these are artificially generated images.
Texts (voluntary labeling)
If AI-generated texts are reviewed by a human, revised if necessary, and approved before publication, there is no legal obligation to label them. Since the texts on the TYPO3 websites undergo such an editorial process, there is no labeling requirement.
What options are available in the backend?
Partially AI-modified: The source material (e.g., a photo or text you created yourself) was created by a human but was subsequently modified or supplemented using AI.
Fully AI-generated: The image or text was created entirely from scratch by AI, without any human input.
How do I label AI-generated images?
Labeling AI-generated images is required. The labeling is done via the image’s metadata in the file list. Select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu.
Note: Both options automatically generate a watermark in the lower-right corner of the image. The watermark is always the same; however, please select the appropriate option to ensure the data is properly maintained. This will save you from having to make adjustments later if the legal framework changes.
An Important Step for Retrospective Tagging
If an image is already in use, simply changing the metadata in the File List module is not enough.
You must then open the image editor once at every location where the image has been embedded in a content element and update the newly created image sections by clicking “Accept.” Finally, save the content element as usual and, if necessary, clear the page cache.
How do I label AI-generated text?
Tagging is optional, as the text on TYPO3 websites goes through an editorial process. Tagging is done directly within the corresponding content element. Select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu.
Note: This does not currently result in automatic labeling via an icon or text label. This information can currently be used to log and track editorial workflows internally. If you still want to label AI-generated text for visitors to your site, you must currently add a text note manually at the top of the page.
