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Model's Face Used by Fashion Brand Via AI Without Consent; Netizens Outraged

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Taiwanese model Lin Guanyi discovered his face being used by a fashion brand on their official website without his consent, despite never having worked for them.
  • The brand claimed the image was AI-generated and not based on any specific person, a response that angered netizens who pointed out the brand's history of similar incidents.
  • Lin Guanyi is demanding the brand remove the images and respond, highlighting concerns about AI misuse and its impact on professional industries like modeling.

Taiwanese model Lin Guanyi has publicly denounced a fashion brand for allegedly using his likeness in promotional material without his permission, raising alarms about the misuse of artificial intelligence in creative industries. Guanyi discovered images of his face on the brand's official website, despite never having been contracted for or participated in a photoshoot with them.

In a video statement shared on social media platform Threads, Guanyi expressed his distress, noting that the AI-generated images even retained distinctive features such as his asymmetrical eyelids (a result of past surgery) and a tattoo near his neck. The poses in the images also closely resembled his typical modeling stances, leading him to believe his likeness was directly used as a basis for the AI generation.

We want to leverage AI, not abuse it.

— Lin GuanyiThe model stated this in a video declaration on social media platform Threads.

"We want to leverage AI, not abuse it," Guanyi stated, emphasizing his concern that AI could replace professionals in fields reliant on appearance and identity. He is seeking clarification on who is responsible for the unauthorized use of his image and is worried about potential repercussions on his future career prospects. He has demanded the brand remove the images from its website and provide a formal response.

The brand's response, stating the image was "generated by AI according to instructions and is not intended to be a work created based on any specific person," has further inflamed public anger. Netizens pointed out that this brand has allegedly engaged in similar practices before, citing instances where other models, an American model, and even members of the K-pop group SEVENTEEN were reportedly victims of AI image manipulation by the same brand. The situation highlights a growing debate about intellectual property, consent, and ethical considerations in the age of AI-generated content.

This image was generated by AI according to instructions and is not intended to be a work created based on any specific person, nor does it intentionally use the photos or data of any specific person as the basis for generation.

— Fashion brandThe fashion brand's comment on social media, which angered netizens.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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