Machine-readable marking: Machine-readable marking means the outputs of generative AI, such as synthetic text, images, audio or video, are marked in a machine-readable format so they can be detected as AI-generated or manipulated. Article 50(2) puts this duty on providers of those AI systems.
In plain words
It is a mark software can read, like metadata or a watermark, so AI-made content can be recognised later. It is the AI maker's job, not the user's.
What it means for a small business
If you only use AI tools, this duty is not yours. If you offer your own generative tool to others, it may be. Generative AI systems already on the market before 2 August 2026 have until 2 December 2026 to add the marking.
Example
ExampleAn image generator adds a machine-readable signal to every picture it makes. A shop that uses the generator for product images doesn't have to add one.
Source
Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, the AI Act, Article 50(2), on EUR-Lex. This page explains the term in plain words; it is not legal advice.