Chinese AI developer DeepSeek has just announced a major policy shift. The move could set a new standard for AI transparency across the globe. Following new government regulations, the company is now requiring that all content generated on its platform be clearly and permanently marked as artificial, starting in China.
China’s AI policy: Why DeepSeek is now labeling all AI content
This new mandate is a dual-layered system. First, there are the visible markers—clear text labels like “AI-generated,” audio announcements, or distinct graphics that are easy for anyone to spot. These markers must be prominently displayed, for example, at the beginning of a text, in a video’s playback area, or as a voice prompt in audio. Then, there are the hidden technical markers, which are embedded deep within the content’s metadata. These hidden markers contain critical information like the content type, the company that produced it, and a unique ID number. This is to ensure the content is fully traceable back to its origin.
DeepSeek is taking this very seriously. Users are strictly prohibited from altering, removing, or faking these labels in any way. This prohibition extends to using any tools or services designed to help people bypass these rules. The company has even made it clear that any violations could lead to severe legal consequences.
DeepSeek shared transparency resources
To further promote transparency and public understanding, DeepSeek has also released a detailed technical guide. This document explains how their AI models are trained, what data they use, and the entire process behind content creation. This move is part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to balance its ambition to lead in AI technology with a strong framework for social oversight and governance.
This development signals a shift from broad AI oversight to detailed content governance. It undoubtedly presents some operational challenges for companies like DeepSeek. However, it also sets a precedent that other countries may soon follow. This could force international AI developers to adapt their products for different regulatory environments around the world. It remains to be seen if other countries take similar legislative measures for AI accountability.