iQIYI AI Artist Library Sparks Controversy; State Media: Tech Must Not Cross Humanistic Bottom Lines

The establishment of an "AI Artist Library" by major Chinese video streaming platform iQIYI has sparked controversy. State media Economic Daily commented that cultural products are different from general commodities; while technology can run wild, it must never trample on humanistic bottom lines. The commentary pointed out three insights: first, any AI project involving real-person data must have clear authorization and boundaries as an insurmountable red line. Second, AI is an assistant, not a substitute; core creative aspects like screenwriting, acting, and directing must remain with humans. Third, the soul of cultural products is always people. The article warned that this alarm is not just for iQIYI but for the entire entertainment and AI market. Previously, iQIYI announced at its world conference that its platform "NaDou Pro" had reached AI authorization agreements with over 100 stars. CEO Gong Yu stated that the trend of AI filmmaking is unstoppable. However, the news quickly led to online backlash with tags like "iQIYI is crazy." Several artists' studios subsequently denied signing any AI filmmaking authorization agreements, raising questions about whether images were used without consent.