AI deepfake scams featuring Wu Yue, a prominent female actress, escalate the widespread issue in Mainland China. Recently, she publicly condemned merchants for promoting skincare products using her synthetic voice and image, demanding refunds. The related accounts have been hastily renamed overnight.
Background
Wu Yue, 54, is a well-known actress who has starred in popular dramas such as "My Half of the Sky". Her influence has made her a prime target for scams. Industry insiders report that the production cost of AI-generated videos using celebrities' appearance and voice on online platforms is extremely low, merely tens to hundreds of Chinese yuan. However, some infringement videos contain labels like "Contains AI-generated content", but the font size is minimal, making it hard for consumers to notice.
Extended Analysis
This incident highlights the current regulatory gaps in China regarding the misuse of AI and the lack of pre-screening mechanisms. Legal experts strongly call for platforms and authorities to enhance pre-screening supervision and prevent the formation of this black industry chain. Similar events do not only disrupt celebrities but also cause economic losses to ordinary consumers, covering multiple issues from personal privacy to business integrity.
The case of Wu Yue also reminds the public about the challenges in verifying the authenticity of celebrities with advancing AI technology. When celebrities are represented by fake voices promoting products or services, it not only damages their reputation but may also lead to severe commercial lawsuits and legal consequences.