Hundreds of Artists Reportedly Sign Up for iQiyi AI Licensing, Stars Deny Involvement
Beijing-based streaming giant iQiyi announced a fresh AI-powered artist licensing initiative, claiming hundreds of performers had agreed to participate. However, several high-profile names quickly disputed the claim, stating they had not signed any agreements.
Actors Yu Hewei and Zhang Ruoyun took to social media to clarify their positions, posting statements that they had only expressed general interest in potential collaborations—not formal consent to use their likenesses or voices in AI models.
According to reports from Chinese media outlets, iQiyi’s move sparked immediate backlash online, with the phrase “iQiyi has gone mad” trending at the top of Chinese social media platforms. Critics argued the company was proceeding without proper consent, describing the approach as “act first, seek approval later.”
The controversy highlights growing tensions in China’s entertainment industry over the ethical use of artificial intelligence, particularly regarding performers’ rights and digital likenesses. Industry observers note that as AI technology advances, clear guidelines and consent protocols will become increasingly vital for maintaining trust between platforms and talent.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, follow coverage from major Chinese news sources including Hualong Wang, Sina News, Sina Finance, Tencent News, and Sohu.
