EU Law on AI-Generated Content: Liability, Labeling, and Transparency for International Websites

Introduction to EU Regulation of AI-Generated Content

The European Union has established a comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence with the AI Act (Regulation 2024/1689), which also covers AI-generated content. This is relevant for operators of international websites, as texts created or translated using AI may be subject to certain transparency and labeling obligations. The AI Act follows a risk-based approach: different requirements apply depending on the area of application of the AI (e.g., chatbots, content generation, translation). At the core is the obligation to make it clear that content has been generated or edited by AI – unless this is obvious to the user.

Even before the AI Act, EU law included provisions on product liability (Directive 85/374/EEC) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which may also apply to AI-generated texts. New is the explicit labeling obligation for AI-generated content, enshrined in Article 50 of the AI Act. This applies particularly to texts intended for reception by natural persons – such as blog posts, product descriptions, or customer communications. If such content is offered on an international website in multiple EU languages, the labeling must be provided in each language version.

For localization practice, this means: when creating content with the help of AI, a marker must be included in the workflow that can later be used in the labeling. However, the AI Act leaves the specific design to national authorities or delegated acts. To date, there is no EU-wide uniform labeling form; a common implementation is a note such as 'This text was created with the support of AI' or a corresponding icon. For machine translation with AI post-editing, a reference to the use of AI tools is sufficient in practice, as long as the overall impression of the text does not appear deceptively real. We recommend having your processes reviewed by a lawyer specializing in IT law, as the legal situation is dynamic.

Legal Framework: AI Act and Relevant Regulations

The AI Act (Regulation 2024/1689) has been in force since August 2024 and will become effective gradually: most provisions apply from August 2026. For AI-generated content, the transparency obligations under Article 50 are particularly relevant. Accordingly, providers and operators of AI systems that generate content must disclose this when the content is presented to natural persons. The labeling must be recognizable to the user and not misleading. In addition, the requirements of the AI Act for high-risk AI systems must be observed if the AI is used in areas such as critical infrastructure or access to education. However, most generative text AIs do not fall into this category unless they are used for safety-related purposes.

In addition to the AI Act, other EU regulations are relevant: the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, Regulation 2016/679) for personal data in AI texts; the Product Liability Directive (85/374/EEC) for damages caused by AI-generated content; and the Digital Services Act (DSA, Regulation 2022/2065), which requires platforms to be more transparent about recommendation algorithms – even if they are based on AI. For international websites in the EU, the eIDAS Regulation (2014/910) is also relevant if AI-generated texts are intended to have legal effect. The AI Liability Directive (Directive 2024/...) is still in the legislative process.

In practice, this means: if you use AI for product descriptions in your multilingual online shop, you must indicate in each language version that AI was involved. An exception exists if the content has been exclusively editorially reviewed and substantially revised – then the AI portion can be considered insignificant. Note: the burden of proof for significance lies with the operator. We recommend creating an internal policy that defines the type of AI use requiring labeling. This policy should be regularly adapted to legal developments. Seek legal advice for this, as the interpretation of the regulations may vary by national supervisory authorities.

Liability Issues with AI-Generated Texts

Liability for AI-generated content in the EU follows the existing rules for product liability and general tort law. According to the Product Liability Directive (85/374/EEC), the manufacturer of a defective product may be liable – AI-generated texts are a digital product. Content is defective if it does not provide the safety that one may expect considering all circumstances. For texts, a defect could be, for example, false health information or a misleading product description that causes damage. The provider of the AI system and the operator of the website may be held jointly liable, depending on who published the content.

Additionally, the general principle of fault applies: anyone who publishes an AI-generated text without checking it may act negligently if the text is obviously false or misleading. The GDPR comes into play if AI texts contain personal data, e.g., in automatically generated customer reviews. This may result in fines of up to 20 million euros or 4% of annual turnover. Liability can be reduced by using 'AI with human oversight' – i.e., if an editor reviews and corrects the text before publication. Practice shows that careful human final review significantly reduces liability risk.

For international websites with multiple language versions, the risk increases: content that is erroneous in one language can have legal consequences in all EU member states if it is accessible there. We therefore recommend conducting a separate legal review of AI-generated content for each language version or establishing a uniform quality assurance process covering all languages. Document the review steps to be able to prove in disputes that you have fulfilled your duty of care. Note: liability issues have not yet been finally clarified by the courts; the principles outlined here are based on current EU regulations and case law. Have your risk assessment carried out by a lawyer.

Labeling Obligations for AI-Generated Content

The EU AI Act stipulates that AI-generated content must be clearly labeled as such when intended for the public. This applies in particular to texts, images, audio and video material created or edited by AI systems. The objective is to protect users from deception and ensure transparency regarding the origin of the content. The labeling must be immediately recognizable and permanent, for example via a notice such as 'AI-generated content' or a standardized icon. For international websites, the labeling must be available in all languages of the country versions offered – a mere English label is insufficient if the page is displayed in German, French, or Polish.

In practice, this means operators of multilingual websites need to adapt their content management systems. For instance, an automatic notice can be placed under each AI-generated article or product description. Care must be taken that the labeling is not hidden in footers but appears directly alongside the content. For dynamic content such as chatbots or personalized recommendations, a notice should be integrated into the user interface. The labeling should also be accessible, for example via a machine-readable metadata tag that can be detected by screen readers.

From a legal perspective, it is important to note that the exact requirements are still being specified through delegated acts. Until finalization, operators act prudently by transparently labeling all AI-generated content. A uniform labeling strategy across all language versions is recommended to avoid language-specific errors. A sample text could be: 'This text was created with the support of artificial intelligence.' This sentence should be integrated into the respective translation workflows according to the national language. For practical implementation, a plugin or middleware can be used to automatically apply the labeling. Please note: The labeling obligation also applies to AI translations if the target text has not been substantially revised by a human.

Recommendation for action: Conduct an audit of all AI-generated content on your website and check the visibility of labeling in all language versions. Use a central template that is embedded in the website template. Document how you implement the labeling – this can serve as evidence in the event of a dispute. If in doubt, consult a lawyer specializing in EU law, as the regulations are still being finalized.

Transparency Requirements Towards Users

Beyond mere labeling, the EU AI Act requires operators of international websites to inform users about the functioning and limitations of the AI systems used. This includes details on the purpose of the AI, the type of data used, and the possibility to question or correct the AI-generated output. Transparency obligations are particularly relevant when AI content has legal or health implications – for example, automatically generated terms and conditions or medical advice. In such cases, it must be made clear that a human has not reviewed the content and that no liability can be assumed for its accuracy.

For multilingual websites, this presents particular challenges: the transparency notices must not only be translated but also culturally adapted. While in Germany a factual, informative tone is expected, other countries may place more emphasis on visual representations. A good practice is to set up a dedicated 'AI transparency page' that is linked across all language versions. This page can provide detailed information on the AI models used, training data, and potential bias risks. Additionally, a feedback mechanism should be integrated through which users can report errors or inappropriate content.

In practice, it is recommended to structure transparency information in three levels: a brief summary in the context of the content (e.g., 'This assessment was automatically generated'), a linked detailed page with technical background, and a simple contact form for inquiries. For dynamic AI systems such as chatbots, it is important that the user can always recognize that they are interacting with a machine – for example, through an avatar or a permanent display of 'AI assistant'. The transparency obligations also apply to the translation of AI content: if you use machine translations, you should clarify that the text has not been reviewed by a human translator, if that is the case.

Recommendation for action: Create a transparency policy that is binding for all language versions. Implement technical solutions that proactively inform the user, for example through tooltips or pop-ups upon first accessing an AI-generated area. Test the comprehensibility of the notices in the target markets, for instance through short surveys. Keep in mind: the more transparent your communication, the lower the risk of warnings or loss of trust. Have the legal admissibility of your transparency measures reviewed by a lawyer who is familiar with the national law of the target countries.

Special Considerations for International Websites

International websites are subject not only to the EU AI Act but also to national implementations and potential additional regulations in third countries. While the AI Act applies directly as an EU regulation, individual member states may impose stricter transparency requirements. Furthermore, operators must consider copyright, competition law, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when using AI-generated content. When localizing, it is therefore crucial to account for the AI regulation of each target market—going beyond simple translation of legal notices.

A practical issue: An AI-generated text that is permissible in Germany with labeling might be considered misleading in France if the labeling is not sufficiently prominent. Or in Italy, a specific formulation could be interpreted as advertising that requires separate labeling. Hence, it is essential that localization processes include not only linguistic but also legal review steps. For each language version, local legal advice should be obtained to ensure that the AI labeling and transparency notices meet local requirements. A central reference to EU law is insufficient if a national court requires a more specific formulation.

From a technical perspective, it is advisable to use a configurable rule set that delivers different labeling and transparency texts depending on the language and country. For instance, the position of the notice may vary: while a banner at the top of the page is common in the Netherlands, a pop-up after the first scroll is expected in Poland. The color and size of the label can also be culturally sensitive. It is important that the labeling is not lost due to responsive design on mobile devices. Additionally, you should plan for regular updates, as the legal situation in EU states can change rapidly.

Recommended action: Integrate compliance checks into your localization workflow. For each relevant market, engage a legal advisor to assess the current AI regulations. Use a content management system with a country group function to manage specific settings. Document the measures taken in a compliance handbook. Allow time for adjustments if new national regulations are enacted. And above all, test the labeling and transparency notices in all target markets with real users to ensure acceptance and comprehensibility. Only in this way can you avoid legal conflicts and maintain the trust of your international audiences.

Practical Implementation of Transparency Requirements

Labeling of AI-generated content is mandatory under the AI Act, provided it is intended for natural persons. In practice, this means you must clearly indicate on your international website whether texts, images, or videos have been machine-generated. A simple solution is to display a clearly visible label such as "AI-generated" or "Created with the assistance of artificial intelligence." This label should not be hidden or only present in the source code, but placed directly in the visible area—for instance, above the content or as part of the footer. Note that the labeling must be in all languages of your website, as the EU regulation applies to all EU languages. Therefore, use the corresponding translations of the label during localization.

A second step is to disclose the use of AI in the general terms and conditions (GTC) or a separate transparency statement. Describe there which content is created with AI, what data was used, and whether a human review takes place. This builds trust and reduces the risk of legal warnings. Ensure that this statement is available in all relevant legal languages. For implementation, it is recommended to set up a central transparency dashboard that summarizes the AI use on your website and is accessible via a link in the footer.

Technically, you can label AI content via metadata, e.g., in the HTML header or in JSON-LD structures. This is primarily useful for traceability by supervisory authorities. However, this does not replace user-visible labeling. Practical tip: Introduce an internal checklist that checks the labeling before publishing any AI content. For multilingual websites, use a translation management system (TMS) that automatically translates and embeds the labels into the target languages. Legally, note that the requirements are still evolving; consult legal advice for your specific situation. With a structured implementation, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure compliance for your international website.

Localization of legally compliant AI texts

Localizing AI-generated content for international websites presents unique challenges, as there are not only linguistic but also legal differences between EU member states. An AI text that is legally compliant in Germany may be assessed differently in France or Poland. Therefore, when localizing, you should always consider the national implementations of the AI Act as well as other national regulations such as the French "Loi pour une République numérique" or the German "Act against Unfair Competition" (UWG). In practice, this means: Work with a translation agency that understands the legal requirements in the target countries. Have AI content not only translated but also legally reviewed, especially regarding disclaimers, imprint, or privacy policies.

A concrete approach: Create a style guide for AI content that specifies which formulations are permissible and which are not. For example, AI-generated texts should not contain misleading claims or give the impression of human creation. The style guide must reflect specific legal requirements for each target country—for instance, regarding advertising labeling or consent for personalized content. This guide is then followed by both translators and AI models. On the tool side, you can implement post-editing processes: After AI translation, a human editor checks whether all legal requirements are met. Experience shows that this is the safest way to ensure cross-border compliance.

Also pay attention to cultural differences: In some countries, clear labeling of AI content is desired; in others, it leads to distrust. Adjust the placement and wording of labels accordingly, without falling short of legal minimum requirements. A proven model is the centralized creation of legally compliant templates in the source language, which are then localized. These templates contain all necessary clauses, labels, and disclaimers that you supplement or adapt per country. Document all changes transparently. Since the legal situation is dynamic, I recommend regular audits of your localized AI content—at least once a year or when relevant laws change. With this strategy, you ensure that your international websites comply with EU requirements and minimize risks.

Risk management for AI content

The use of AI-generated content on international websites entails various risks: from copyright infringements and misinformation to violations of labeling obligations. Systematic risk management is therefore essential. Start by taking an inventory of all AI content on your website and document which texts, images, or videos were machine-generated. Assess each element according to potential risks such as misleading information, discrimination, or legal violations. A simple matrix can help: combine the likelihood of harm with its severity. Focus on high-risk areas, e.g., product descriptions, health information, or financial content. For these, establish strict human review processes.

Technical measures complement this assessment: use filters that detect typical AI model errors, such as hallucinations or contradictions. Train your team in handling AI outputs—they need to know what to look for. Implement a four-eyes principle: every AI content is reviewed by two people before publication. One person checks for linguistic and factual accuracy, the other for legal compliance. These reviews should be conducted in all local languages, making multilingual staff or collaboration with local experts necessary. Document all review steps to demonstrate that you have fulfilled your duty of care in case of a dispute.

Another component is the regular monitoring of published content. Use monitoring tools to detect complaints or warnings early. Set up an internal escalation process if an AI content is challenged. React quickly: remove or correct problematic content immediately and inform affected users. Additionally, develop a crisis plan for the event of a major legal violation. Keep in mind: liability for AI content lies with the website operator, not the AI model. Therefore, comprehensive risk prevention is crucial. Seek legal advice to minimize liability risks, especially in cross-border cases. With structured risk management, you not only create legal certainty but also improve the quality of your content in the long term.

Documentation and Evidence Obligations

Under the EU AI Act and supplementary regulations, operators of AI systems that generate content are subject to comprehensive documentation and record-keeping obligations. This particularly affects companies that use AI-translated or AI-generated texts on international websites. They must be able to demonstrate which AI models were used, how they were trained (e.g., data sources, versions), and the decision-making logic behind the outputs. For localization practice, this means: maintain a central directory of all AI tools used, including manufacturer, model number, training data (if known), and area of application. Also document the review steps – for example, manual corrections by native speakers or automated quality assurance results.

Record-keeping obligations extend to disclosure to national supervisory authorities. In the event of an audit, you must be able to demonstrate within a short period (e.g., 30 days) that your AI-generated content meets transparency and labeling requirements. Specifically, the AI Act requires detailed technical documentation for high-risk AI systems, including considerations of fundamental rights. Although pure text generation is often not classified as high-risk, you should maintain verifiable logs for all AI content – ideally in an audit-proof system. Record the date, prompts, outputs, checks performed, and any changes. This creates an unbroken chain.

In practice, it has proven beneficial to closely link documentation with the localization process. For example, you can integrate metadata fields in your translation management system (TMS) for AI origin and review status. Regular audits by an internal or external body are also recommended to identify gaps early. Note: The documentation obligation applies not only to initial creation but also to updates and subsequent edits. Therefore, keep all versions. This is particularly important when publishing content in multiple languages – each language version requires separate evidence.

Legal notice: The exact requirements vary depending on the application and national implementation. This article does not replace advice from a lawyer. Have your documentation practices individually reviewed, especially for cross-border website operations.

Sanctions and Enforcement

The EU AI Act provides for a graduated system of sanctions that applies to violations of transparency and labeling obligations for AI-generated content. Enforcement is the responsibility of national market surveillance authorities in the member states – in Germany, for example, the Federal Network Agency or the state data protection officers. For companies operating international websites with AI texts, the level of fines is particularly relevant: for violations of labeling regulations, fines can be up to 3% of worldwide annual turnover or EUR 15 million, whichever is higher. For high-risk AI systems, fines can be up to 7% or EUR 35 million.

Examples of sanctionable violations: failure to label AI-generated content (e.g., missing notice 'AI-translated'), insufficient transparency towards users (e.g., when it is not clear that a chatbot is an AI), or lack of documentation under Article 12 of the AI Act. Misleading statements about the quality or origin of content can also be penalized. In practice, authorities are increasingly conducting targeted checks – for example, on major news portals or e-commerce platforms with automated product descriptions. A violation can result not only in fines but also in orders to remove content or suspend the operation of the AI software.

To avoid sanctions, you should conduct regular compliance checks and document them. Use checklists aligned with the AI Act and train your employees – especially those involved in localization and content publishing. For cross-border websites, note that each national authority can act independently. Therefore, it is advisable to commission a legal expert to coordinate EU-wide compliance. Enforcement is facilitated by the planned EU database for AI systems, in which operators must register high-risk AI – although pure text generators are usually not covered, you should monitor developments.

Legal notice: The mentioned sanctions framework is based on the current draft of the AI Act; the final version may differ. Consult a lawyer to assess specific risks for your company. This article does not replace individual legal advice.

Exceptions and Industry-Specific Aspects

The EU AI Act stipulates certain exemptions from its scope. For example, AI systems used exclusively for research or development purposes and not placed on the market are exempt from many obligations. Likewise, private, non-commercial use of AI tools for text generation – such as for personal correspondence – is not subject to the regulation. For websites with international reach, however, these exemptions are usually irrelevant, as commercial content is affected. Another exemption applies to AI systems that were already in operation before the AI Act came into force: they are subject to transition periods of varying lengths depending on the risk class. For pure text generators without a high-risk classification, a period of two to three years after entry into force is typically granted.

Industry-specific particularities arise primarily in regulated sectors. For instance, AI-generated texts in the healthcare sector are additionally subject to the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). An automatically generated patient letter must not only be labeled as AI-generated, but also meet specific medical standards. In the financial sector, special transparency obligations apply under the MiFID II Directive, for example when AI-generated investment recommendations are issued. For internationally active websites, this means: they must comply not only with the AI Act but also with the sector-specific regulations of each target industry. A blanket labeling is then not sufficient.

For localization practice, this means: first check whether your company operates in a regulated industry. If so, ensure that your AI-generated content meets the higher requirements – for example, through additional manual checks by qualified personnel and expanded documentation. Even if exemptions apply, you should not forego transparency: in practice, users increasingly expect honesty in the use of AI. A voluntary note such as 'This text was machine-translated and reviewed by a human' can build trust and anticipate future regulatory requirements.

Legal notice: The exceptions and industry-specific rules are complex and subject to national implementation. Consult a lawyer specializing in IT law to ensure that your website is legally compliant in all EU member states. This article serves only as an initial orientation.

Future Developments and Compliance Trends

EU legal developments regarding AI content remain dynamic. Following the adoption of the AI Act, further concretizations are emerging, particularly through delegated acts and guidelines from the AI Office. For companies operating international websites, it is advisable to monitor developments at the EU level as well as in individual member states. In practice, it is evident that national supervisory authorities set different priorities – for example, in interpreting transparency obligations or liability for AI translations. At the same time, pressure from civil society and consumer organizations demanding clear labeling is growing.

A clear trend is moving toward standardized metadata for AI-generated content. Technical working groups are developing formats that contain machine-readable information about the use of AI in translations. Such standards facilitate automated checks by compliance tools. Moreover, it is expected that audits and certifications of AI systems – similar to quality management – will become common practice. Companies should therefore establish internal processes early on that enable seamless documentation of training data, algorithms, and verification steps. This also applies to the use of large language models for localization.

Another aspect is the harmonization of penalties and enforcement mechanisms. The AI Act provides for graduated fines, but the specific application varies. Experience shows that supervisory authorities emphasize proportionality – those who can demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable measures face lower sanctions. Therefore, implementing a compliance management system for AI content is recommended. This should be regularly adapted to new legal interpretations, for example when the European Court of Justice issues its first rulings on AI transparency.

Recommendation for action: Set up an internal early warning system that informs you about changes in EU regulations and national particularities. Invest in flexible technologies that allow subsequent labeling or modification of metadata. Plan regular training for your localization teams to raise awareness of compliance requirements. Close collaboration with legal advisors specializing in AI law is essential for strategic direction.

Checklist for legally compliant localization

A legally compliant localization of AI-generated content requires systematic review steps. Use this checklist as a guide, but adapt it to your specific use case. Always have the final implementation accompanied by your legal department or a specialist lawyer for IT law.

1. Inventory and Risk Assessment: Identify all content on your website that is wholly or partially AI-generated. Document the purpose, the AI systems used, and the target languages. Assess the risk according to the AI Act – in particular, whether the content could be classified as 'high risk' (e.g., for legal or medical topics). Check whether the AI translation serves as the sole source or is reviewed by a human.

2. Transparency and Labeling: Ensure that all AI-generated content is clearly labeled. This can be done by a note at the end of the text or a separate page with explanations about AI usage. The labeling should be understandable in every local language and not mislead the user. Verify that your labeling complies with the requirements of the AI Act and the GDPR. For translations, additionally state whether and how a human quality check took place.

3. Liability and Quality Assurance: Contractually define who is liable for faulty AI translations – usually this is the website operator. Implement multi-stage review processes: automated plausibility checks (e.g., terminology consistency, no errors in legal terms) and manual spot checks by native speakers. Document these checks in a traceable manner to be able to demonstrate compliance in case of a dispute.

4. Data Protection and Confidentiality: Ensure that the AI services you use do not process personal data without a legal basis. Conclude data processing agreements if external AI platforms are used. For sensitive content (e.g., customer communication), the use of local, data-protection-compliant models is recommended.

5. Regular Updates and Monitoring: The legal situation and technical standards change. Check at least every six months whether your labeling and processes are still up to date. Conduct internal audits and log the results. Stay in exchange with industry associations to learn about new guidelines early on.

Recommendation: Start with a pilot localization in a language with low liability risk. Test your processes and identify weaknesses. Only scale to further target markets after successful validation. Legally compliant localization is not a one-off project, but a continuous improvement process.

Tools and instruments for legally compliant localization

Specialized tools are available for the legally compliant localization of AI-generated content that automate and document the compliance process. Translation management systems (TMS) such as CAT tools with legal plugins can place and version labels. It is important that the system offers a complete audit trail function: each translation is recorded with a timestamp, responsible reviewer, and the AI engine used.

For labeling itself, dynamic placeholders that automatically reflect the legal status of the content are recommended. For example, a tag such as [AI translation: Reviewed on DD.MM.YYYY] can be generated to demonstrate compliance with transparency requirements. Modern TMS allow the integration of external legal databases that suggest country-specific wording depending on the target language.

Another type of tool is AI governance platforms that manage the entire lifecycle of AI-generated texts. They classify content according to risk classes under the AI Act and issue warnings when a text is exported without human review. These platforms often integrate databases of labeling regulations in all EU languages and support the creation of evidence documents.

For practical work, browser extensions that scan websites for missing AI labels are also suitable. They can be integrated into the development workflow and perform an automatic check before going live. A more cost-effective option is to use checklists in project management tools that legally secure each step of localization.

Ultimately, it is not about the most expensive tool, but about consistent application. A simple but strictly followed system with approval workflows and clear responsibilities often meets the requirements better than complex software that is not properly configured. Companies should therefore define processes before selecting tools and then choose the appropriate tool. Investment in such systems is justified, as compliance errors can result in significant sanctions – legal advice should be sought in this regard.

Practical Example: Step-by-Step Implementation for a Multilingual Website

Assume you run an e-commerce website in five EU languages, whose product descriptions are generated by an AI model. Implementing the transparency requirements of the AI Act involves six steps.

Step 1: System classification. Identify whether your AI system falls under the “minimal risk” category (usually for simple text generation). Since the output directly impacts customers, classify it as “subject to transparency obligations.” Document this classification in writing.

Step 2: Implementing labeling. Add a subtle but visible notice to each product description, e.g., “This description was created with AI assistance.” Place it directly under the title or as an icon at the end of the text. Ensure that the notice is correct and legally compliant in every language during translation. Use a uniform template for all language versions, reviewed by a native speaker.

Step 3: Documentation. Create an internal record that includes the date, the AI model used, the purpose of generation, and the labeling applied. This record must be available for inspection.

Step 4: Process integration. Integrate labeling into the content workflow: Each newly generated text must undergo a check before publication to ensure the labeling is present. Automate this step using a simple script that verifies the presence of the notice.

Step 5: Quality assurance and monitoring. Conduct random checks to ensure that labeling remains intact after updates or manual corrections. Perform regular audits, preferably quarterly.

Step 6: User feedback and adjustment. Respond to user feedback if the labeling is perceived as disruptive or unclear. Adjust the wording and placement without compromising legal effectiveness.

This approach requires manageable effort but provides legal certainty. Note that exact requirements may vary depending on the risk class; therefore, consult with legal advisors who review the current legal situation for your specific system.