AI under control in Russia: the authorities are developing a legal framework for labeling AI content

The Russian authorities plan to introduce mandatory labeling of digital content created using artificial intelligence. This step is designed to provide transparency, increase confidence in digital materials, and create legal mechanisms to combat potentially dangerous applications of generative AI technologies.

The central task at the current stage is the legislative consolidation of the basic concepts that form the conceptual framework in the new technological environment. We are talking about the terms "deepfake", "artificial intelligence" and "synthetic content". The establishment of common legal definitions of these concepts is necessary for the formation of subsequent legal norms governing the distribution and use of AI content.

The relevant department clarified that the priority at this stage is to build a legal regime for the "legitimate creation, distribution and use" of AI content. At the same time, the issue of whether mandatory labeling of synthetic audio and video materials is appropriate is being considered. This measure will allow you to separate original materials from those created using machine learning algorithms.

It is planned to determine the competence of the authorized bodies and the circle of responsible persons who will be charged with identifying deepfakes. Special attention will be paid to cases where images, videos, or a person's voice were used to create synthetic content without their consent. Such actions can be qualified as a criminal offense.

Lawyers and IT experts point out that labeling alone is not enough to counter the malicious use of AI, especially in the context of high rates of development of generative models. However, the existence of a clear regulatory framework will strengthen control over the turnover of synthetic content, as well as introduce personal liability for violations of the new rules.

The discussion of AI content regulation is already underway in the framework of expert platforms and relevant parliamentary committees. It is expected that the formation of the legislative framework will take place in stages-from the consolidation of terminology to the development of specific control and enforcement mechanisms.