Does my chatbot need to say it's an AI?
Yes — clearly, and before the conversation starts. EU AI Act Article 50(1) requires every website chatbot or AI assistant to inform visitors they are interacting with an AI system, at first contact, from 2 August 2026.
The short answer, longer
Article 50(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 says providers and deployers must ensure people are informed when they interact with an AI system. Not "it says bot somewhere". Informed — in a way a normal visitor actually notices.
What "good" looks like
- A visible notice inside or above the chat interface, shown before the first message.
- Plain wording: "You're chatting with an AI assistant" — not a robot emoji and hope.
- Persistent: visible on every page where the widget loads.
What doesn't count
- A bot named "Sara" with a human photo and no AI mention — that's the exact deception the article bans.
- A line in your privacy policy or footer.
- Your chatbot vendor's own branding ("powered by X") — the duty is yours, not theirs. More on the vendor trap →
The fix
Free: scan your site, install the RapidAct layer, done — the notice appears above your chat widget in English and Spanish. Chatbot disclosure guide →
Free tools: scan your site · all guides · full assessment — €99
The assessment
Company assessment
€99
One payment per company.
Get a specialist-reviewed AI inventory, system classifications, required notices and a prioritised action plan within 24–48h.
What you receive
- •AI inventory and system classifications
- •Article 50 duties by touchpoint
- •Recommended notice wording and placement
- •Evidence and documentation gaps
- •Prioritised actions and deadlines
- •Specialist review and follow-up questions
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