Abstract
This paper proposes the development of a certification system analogous to the standards used in organic food labeling, designed to distinguish websites based on the proportion of human-written versus AI-generated content. In an era where AI plays an increasingly prominent role in content creation, this system would provide transparency for consumers and uphold fair competition in digital markets. The certification would allow website creators to present verifiable evidence of their content’s provenance, ranging from entirely human-made, to a mix of human and AI contributions, to fully AI-generated content. Additionally, this paper explores the legal and policy frameworks necessary for implementing such a system, drawing on principles from trademark law, unfair advertising, and competition law. It also considers the potential administrative structures for the certification process, whether through private organizations--as seen with the Forestry Sustainability Council and the Sustainable Seafood Group--or under federal oversight, possibly by the Department of Commerce. By examining consumer preferences and the ethical implications of AI in content creation, this paper argues for a certification system that aligns with public expectations and enhances trust in digital information. The proposed system seeks to foster an environment where consumers are informed about the provenance of website content, thereby supporting informed decision-making and maintaining a level playing field in the online marketplace.
Recommended Citation
Andrew W. Torrance & Bill Tomlinson,
Organic Websites: Certification of AI-Generated or Human-Written Content on the Internet,
24
Chi.-Kent J. Intell. Prop.
72
(2025).
Available at:
https://scholarship.kentlaw.iit.edu/ckjip/vol24/iss1/7
