WhatsApp tests AI content labeling for Channels on iOS to boost transparency

WhatsApp Channels Get AI Content Labeling on iOS

WhatsApp is testing AI content labeling for Channels on iOS, giving channel admins a way to identify media created or edited with artificial intelligence1

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. The iOS feature has started appearing for some beta testers through the TestFlight program with version 26.34.10.70, following a similar rollout on Android1

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. This development comes as AI-generated media becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from real content, making transparency more critical for platforms hosting creator and business content2

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How the AI Content Labeling Works

Channel admins will find the option to label AI-generated media in a channel update's context menu. Once they select and confirm the AI content label, it gets permanently added to the update and cannot be removed1

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. The label will be visible to everyone who views the channel, including other admins. The feature covers images, videos and other media created or modified using any AI tool, including Meta AI, ChatGPT and Gemini1

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. WhatsApp may also automatically identify some AI-generated content and add the label, while admins retain the ability to apply it manually when sharing eligible content.

Meeting Legal Disclosure Requirements

The AI content labeling feature helps channel admins meet legal disclosure requirements in countries where marking AI-generated media is mandatory. When the feature becomes available, WhatsApp will display a banner at the top of the channel interface informing admins about this requirement1

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. The banner appears only after the feature has been enabled for the account. This disclosure mechanism is designed to help followers distinguish AI-generated or AI-edited media from authentic content, particularly when generated images or videos appear realistic.

Limited Rollout for iPhone Users

The AI content labeling is currently reaching a limited number of iOS beta testers, with a wider rollout expected later. Some iPhone users on the stable iOS version could also receive the option as the rollout expands1

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. WhatsApp has not yet disclosed which countries will require the label or when it will be available more broadly to all users. The Meta-owned messaging app previously introduced the feature on Android and is now extending the functionality to iOS as part of its ongoing beta testing efforts.