Outcry Over AI Images in Drama Series
Wednesday, 2026/04/08171 words3 minutes1339 reads
A Chinese short drama series has caused public anger after using AI technology to copy people's facial features without their consent. The series, called "Peach Blossom Hairpin," allegedly used bloggers' and models' faces to create characters.
By late March, the series had received over 40 million views on Hongguo, a micro-drama platform. Several victims said they were planning to take legal action. On Friday, the platform removed the series because the creator could not prove they followed the rules about using facial images.
Legal experts say that copying someone's image with AI technology violates portrait rights under Chinese law. If an AI-generated face makes people think of a specific real person, it may be considered infringement. The Beijing Internet Court has already ruled in favor of actors whose images were misused by companies using AI face-swapping technology.
Experts advise people who find unauthorized AI content using their likeness to save evidence immediately and file complaints with platforms. They also call for stronger laws to regulate AI applications and protect personal information.
