How to Write a Plain-Language AI Disclosure Notice for Your Chatbot or Website

More countries now expect software to tell people when they are dealing with artificial intelligence. South Korea's AI Basic Act, which took effect on January 22, 2026, is a recent example: the US International Trade Administration's market summary says providers of generative AI must notify users in advance that AI is being used, and that realistic synthetic images, video or audio may need clear labels. The rules differ from place to place, but the writing task is the same everywhere: say it clearly, say it early, and keep it short.

What a good AI notice does

A useful notice answers three questions in plain words. Is this AI? What is it doing for me? Can I reach a person? Anything longer than two short sentences tends to be skipped. Legal detail belongs in your policy page; the notice is the part people actually read.

A simple template

• Chatbot: "You are chatting with an AI assistant. It can answer questions about your order. To reach a person, choose 'Talk to support'."
• AI-generated image or video: "This image was created with AI."
• AI-generated audio: "This voice is AI-generated." Say it at the start of the clip or in the player, not only in a caption.
• AI-assisted decision: "An AI tool helped prepare this result. A member of our team reviews it." Only write this if it is true.

Where to put it

Place the notice where the user cannot miss it. For a chatbot, show it before the first message. For exported files, such as downloaded images or audio, a visible label on the file itself works better than a note on the web page that produced it, because the file travels without the page. Test the notice on a phone as well as a desktop screen.

Keep it readable

Write at a level a general reader can follow. Use short sentences, common words and the active voice. You can check your draft with a readability score checker, then ask a colleague outside the project to explain the notice back to you. If they cannot, rewrite it.

If you serve more than one language

Write the notice in plain English first, because simple source text translates better. An AI translator can give you a first draft, but have a fluent speaker review the final wording before you publish it, especially if the notice has legal weight. The US trade summary above notes that notices for Korean users are expected in Korean, so test your wording with native readers.

Keep a record of what the AI did

A notice tells users what to expect; a log shows what actually happened. Most chatbot and agent logs are JSON, and a JSON formatter makes them readable. For a step-by-step approach, see UrwaTools' guide to keeping an audit log of AI agent tool calls with JSON, the overview of AI agents in 2026, and the checklist for a secure digital workspace.

Choosing a tool that makes this easier

When you compare AI products, ask whether the vendor gives you a built-in notice, labeled exports and exportable logs. ProductListo's piece on South Korea's AI Basic Act as a buyer's checklist turns these questions into a vendor checklist. Support tools with AI agents, such as Zendesk and Intercom, are described on their ProductListo pages, and the AI & ML guide covers the wider category. Makers of AI tools can submit a tool to the ProductListo directory or ask about writing for the site.

Quick checklist

1. Write one or two short sentences in plain English.
2. Show the notice before the interaction starts.
3. Label exported images, video and audio on the file itself.
4. Check readability and test with someone outside the team.
5. Have a fluent speaker review each translation.
6. Keep readable logs so you can show what the AI did.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Check the rules that apply in each country where you operate.