Marking AI‑Generated Content: Russia Moves to Protect Digital Trust

Russia is moving toward mandatory labeling of photo and video content created with artificial intelligence, a measure intended to help users distinguish authentic media from fabricated imagery. The proposed legislation—now under review by the State Duma—sets requirements for disclosing AI involvement, listing the creator, and specifying the date of production.

International Context

Several countries have already adopted similar rules. Legal analysts note that transparent labeling helps audiences understand the origins of digital materials, ultimately improving trust in the information ecosystem. The bill also outlines potential penalties for failing to label AI‑generated media: from approximately $110 for individuals to more than $5,500 for organizations.

Experts caution, however, that effective enforcement will require reliable technical infrastructure capable of automatically verifying the provenance of media files. Without such tools, labeling may fall short—particularly in combating sophisticated deepfakes and cyber‑enabled fraud.

Public Debate

The proposal has triggered significant discussion within the professional community. Some view it as an essential step toward stronger information security, while others emphasize the need to balance regulation with creative freedom. International practice shows that labeling requirements are gradually becoming a global norm.