Why a European AI model matters for alt text
An alt text tool with a European AI model means, in practice: your own API key plus an EU provider like Mistral. IMG Performer leaves you that choice.
Since 28 June 2025 the German Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) has required meaningful alt text for images. AI tools take on this work – they send the image to a language model that returns a description. The key question: which model is it, and where does it run? With most tools these are models from OpenAI or Google, i.e. US providers. That sends your image content to the US.
Why the model’s location matters
To write an alt text, the AI model “sees” the entire image – people, documents, interiors, everything in the frame. If the model sits with a US provider, that is a data transfer to a third country, with all the follow-up questions about legal basis and data processing. An alt text tool with an EU server location is one step, but only solves half the problem if the actual image recognition still runs on a US model.
Mistral as a European option
Mistral AI is based in Paris and runs its models in the EU. Its multimodal model understands images and produces usable German descriptions as a starting point. Anyone using Mistral for alt text generation keeps the processing chain in Europe: image optimization locally on the server, AI inference with an EU provider.
How IMG Performer handles this
IMG Performer does not come with its own AI quota. Instead you enter your own API key and choose the provider – Mistral, OpenAI or Anthropic. With Mistral everything stays in the EU. You only pay the actual model costs of your key, there is no limit from IMG Performer and no quota cap that eventually runs out. The data processing agreement is directly between you and your chosen AI provider.
Alt text tools and their AI models
| Tool | AI model | Where image recognition runs | Own API key |
|---|---|---|---|
| alttext.ai | not disclosed | US cloud | no |
| AutoAlt.ai | OpenAI / Google | US models, EU server location | no |
| IMG Performer | freely selectable, Mistral recommended | in the EU with Mistral | yes |
Disclaimer
As of September 2026. Details about third-party products may change; their product pages are authoritative. This article is context, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Are Mistral's German alt texts as good as OpenAI's?
Current models from both providers deliver usable German descriptions as a basis. For images carrying important detail, a brief editorial check is worthwhile – regardless of the model.
I already have an OpenAI key. Can I keep using it?
Yes. IMG Performer leaves the choice to you. If you want to keep the data path entirely within the EU, switch to a Mistral key for this function.
What does alt text generation cost me?
Only the use of your own API key with the chosen provider. IMG Performer bills nothing for it and sets no limit.