WhatsApp is rolling out AI content label for channels on Android

WhatsApp channel admins on Android are getting a new way to stay honest with their followers: a label that flags when an update contains AI-generated media, and one they can't quietly remove once it's added.

The update is being rolled out through WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.34.5 and was spotted by WABetaInfo testers Akan and Radu Oncescu. Channel admins will be able to press and hold a message and select “Add AI content label” from the message options to mark it.

The label will apply to images or videos created using artificial intelligence. It will appear at the bottom left of the message bubble, near the view count and date, once the channel is opened by followers. Once added, the label cannot be removed.

The feature comes as more countries are introducing stricter rules for disclosing AI-generated content. WhatsApp has designed the tool using the same interface it previously introduced for partnership tags. An in-app notification says, “Channel admins in your country are required to label channel updates that use AI content.”

Admins who use ChatGPT, Gemini or any other AI tool to create or edit media will need to add the label, regardless of which tool they use or how much AI was involved. Even minor AI-assisted edits will require the label.

WhatsApp has also indicated that it may automatically add the label in some cases if it detects that content was created using AI.

For now, the feature is available only to a limited number of Android beta testers. WhatsApp is expected to expand the rollout gradually over the coming weeks.