A captivating and somewhat touching trend is unfolding in China: the use of AI to bring the deceased back to life for 600 yuan. This innovative concept has sparked debates and controversies, causing discomfort among some families. In this video, we will explore the origins, the present scenario, and the measures China can take to safeguard the families of the late celebrities while still fostering progress in this thrilling AI industry.

In China, the use of AI to create videos of deceased celebrities has sparked significant controversy. Here are some of the issues:
1. Creating AI-Cloned Videos: There has been a surge in the practice of creating AI-cloned videos of deceased celebrities. This includes Chinese celebrities such as singer Coco Lee and actor Qiao Renliang, as well as Western icons like Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant.
2. Commercial Exploitation: Many content creators are leveraging these videos to drive traffic to businesses specializing in digital resurrection. A customized 60-second video of a dead celebrity costs about 600 yuan ($83), according to a Douyin-based digital resurrection service.
3. Legal Concerns: Making and posting AI videos of deceased celebrities and selling their AI-generated avatars on e-commerce platforms likely violates the law and regulations, according to several lawyers. This infringes image rights, reputation, and privacy.
4. Family Opposition: The families of celebrities who have died have criticized this practice. For instance, Qiao Renliang’s father expressed discomfort watching the AI depiction of his son and questioned the right of others to do this.
5. Public Reaction: Such videos have also sparked discontent on Chinese social media. Many netizens have called for respect for those who have passed and for the practice to stop without the family’s consent.
6. Legal Action: Disputes have begun following the increasing number of videos in which deceased people are ‘brought back to life’ by AI on short-video platforms.

To ensure the continued growth of AI, the following are some potential solutions to circumvent legal complications when utilizing AI to generate videos of the deceased celebrities:
1. Obtain Consent: Always seek permission from the deceased’s estate or family before creating or distributing content. This could involve written contracts that clearly outline the terms of use.
2. Respect Privacy: Respect the privacy and dignity of the deceased. Avoid creating content that could be seen as disrespectful or invasive.
3. Follow Laws and Regulations: Ensure compliance with all local and international laws related to copyright, defamation, and privacy. This includes understanding and adhering to the legal concept of “personality rights,” which involves the right to control the commercial use of one’s name, image, likeness, or other unequivocal aspects of one’s identity.
4. Transparency: Be transparent about the use of AI in creating the content. Clearly label AI-generated content to avoid misleading the audience.
5. Ethical Guidelines: Establish and follow ethical guidelines for the use of AI. This could involve considerations about the potential emotional impact on the audience and the risk of creating deepfakes that could be used maliciously.
6. Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Have mechanisms in place to handle disputes or complaints. This could involve a process for taking down content upon request.
7. Collaboration with Industry Bodies: Work with industry bodies to develop standards and best practices for the use of AI in media production.

In light of the increasing use of AI to generate videos of the deceased celebrities, China has implemented several measures: Legal Measures: As per the Civil Code, if a deceased person’s name or image is violated, the relatives are entitled to demand the offender to assume civil liability, which includes eradicating the adverse effects and providing compensation for emotional distress. They also have the right to request the removal of infringing videos from the platform. Regulation of AI Services: Some AI service providers have indicated that they continue to accept orders to digitally resurrect deceased celebrities, but they must maintain a low profile. It might be acceptable to create videos of foreign celebrities or those with authorization.

Creating videos of deceased celebrities using AI is an innovative concept, but producers must respect the deceased’s families, secure permission from the rightful owners, and adhere to local laws and authorities. We anticipate seeing progress in the industry of reproducing deceased celebrities and hope to relive the moments of our idols.

Would you use AI to bring back your loved ones to life? Please share your thoughts in the comment below.

Thank you for watching!