China Launches Month-Long Campaign Against AI-Altered Videos

China has initiated a month-long campaign targeting artificial intelligence (AI)-altered videos deemed to distort or vulgarise classic Chinese films and television works. This effort, led by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), commenced on January 1, 2024, and aims to eliminate content that misappropriates and undermines Chinese culture.

The NRTA’s statement, released on WeChat on December 31, 2023, highlights the removal of spoof clips that distort significant cultural narratives. These include AI-generated videos inspired by renowned works such as Journey to the West and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, along with portrayals of notable Chinese heroes and figures. Content containing violence, vulgarity, or themes that promote “wrong values” will also face removal.

Concerns Over Cultural Integrity and Youth Impact

The NRTA expressed concern over the rapid advancement of generative AI, stating that some online accounts misuse these technologies to create “bizarre deconstructions” of cherished classics. Such adaptations, according to the NRTA, deviate from the essence of the original works and pose risks of copyright infringement. Additionally, these alterations can compromise the cultural understanding of children and interfere with their perceptions of reality.

The campaign aims to eliminate animated content that features well-known characters from children’s media, which could distort their cultural identity. The NRTA emphasised that the initiative seeks to foster a healthier online environment for youth, countering the negative influence of AI-altered videos.

AI-generated content has gained immense popularity, particularly among younger users on social media platforms. The NRTA’s actions coincide with growing media reports about the rising trend of these spoof clips. Notably, classic adaptations such as the 1986 version of Journey to the West and the 1987 adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber frequently appear in AI-generated videos.

Regulatory Measures and Industry Response

As part of the campaign, online platforms, including social media apps and websites, will be mandated to enhance their content review processes. They must proactively remove any “non-compliant” material. Accounts found in violation of these guidelines will face penalties, and platforms are held accountable for managing offending accounts.

The CCTV reported in December 2023 that the accessibility of generative AI tools has lowered the barrier for creating altered video clips. Many tutorials are readily available on short-video platforms, allowing users to produce spoof content with minimal technical skills.

A commentary published by The Beijing News warned about the potential for these adaptations to infringe on copyright and undermine traditional culture, especially their impact on minors. Such adaptations, it stated, risk crossing boundaries that should not be overstepped, likening them to “desecrating classics” and testing societal limits of tolerance.

This campaign reflects China’s effort to protect its cultural heritage in the digital age, ensuring that the portrayal of its historical and artistic legacies remains respectful and accurate. As AI technology continues to evolve, the NRTA’s proactive measures may serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar issues in the realm of digital content creation.