‘Clearly me’: Chinese AI drama accused of stealing faces

In China, the rapid advancement of AI technology presents both incredible opportunities and significant ethical quandaries. The case of "The Peach Blossom Hairpin" on the Hongguo app, owned by TikTok parent ByteDance, starkly illustrates this duality. When Christine Li, a model and influencer, discovered her face being used to portray a cruel character in an AI-generated microdrama, her shock quickly turned to anger and fear. This wasn't just a case of unauthorized use; it was a violation of her digital identity, with her likeness used to depict actions she found abhorrent.

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I was genuinely shocked. It was clearly me.

Li's experience, echoed by another individual who found his likeness used as a "sleazy" antagonist, has ignited a public outcry. Microdramas, known for their ultra-short, engaging format, are immensely popular, boasting hundreds of millions of users. However, this popularity has outpaced the development of clear regulations, creating a legal grey area. The fact that the show remained online for days even after complaints, with disputed characters quietly replaced, suggests a lag in enforcement and accountability.

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It was so obvious that they used a specific set of photos I took two years ago

From a Chinese perspective, this story is not just about individual rights but also about the nation's burgeoning AI industry. While China is a global leader in AI development, such incidents raise critical questions about responsible innovation. The swift removal of the series by Hongguo after public outcry is a positive step, but it underscores the urgent need for robust legal frameworks and ethical guidelines to govern AI-generated content. This incident serves as a crucial reminder that as technology races forward, our legal and ethical systems must keep pace to protect individuals and maintain public trust.

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I also felt a deep fear. I kept wondering what kind of person would do something like this