FairLoc relaunches with a new strategy

FairLoc, a certification scheme for human translation, has relaunched as FairLoc 2.0. The scheme first appeared in April 2024, and the update is intended to make participation simpler and to broaden its reach across the profession.

The central idea is unchanged. FairLoc remains a voluntary mark intended to identify translation produced by a person rather than by machine translation or AI. What has changed is how the mark is awarded and who the scheme is asking to take part.

What is different

Under the previous model, certification applied at company level. FairLoc 2.0 instead issues its stamp on a per-document basis, so a provider can mark an individual text or project as human-produced without committing to a human-only policy across all of their work. This gives agencies and freelancers more flexibility – a client might commission a human translation for one project and choose machine translation with post-editing for another, with the stamp applying only where it is relevant.

The sign-up process has also been simplified. Freelancers and agencies can register as FairLoc Ambassadors and begin issuing stamps straight away – without clients needing to do anything. It is then up to the client whether they want to display the stamp or not. Ambassadors can also display a FairLoc badge on their websites and email signature and join the scheme’s online Discord community.

A change of audience

The relaunch reflects a shift in strategy. FairLoc was originally aimed at end clients, on the theory that client demand would drive recognition of human work. Michael Purvis, Content Creator at FairLoc, accepts that this proved harder than expected, and that clients were less receptive than he had hoped. FairLoc 2.0 instead targets agencies and freelancers, on the basis that they are closer to their clients and have a more direct interest in making the case for human translation.

What it means for members

For ITI members, FairLoc is one of several initiatives attempting to help buyers distinguish human translation in a market increasingly shaped by AI. It is a useful development to be aware of, particularly for members looking for ways to mark and promote the human contribution in their work.

FairLoc is operated by Comunica.dk Translations S.L. and has received EU funding.

Further details are available on the FairLoc website.