iQIYI faces backlash over AI-generated actor initiative amid actor denials and legal concerns

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1. https://hongkongfp.com/2026/04/21/outrage-in-china-after-streaming-site-iqiyi-debuts-ai-actor-database/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
2. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/technology/984659/outrage-in-china-after-streaming-site-debuts-ai-actor-database/story/ - iQIYI, China's equivalent of Netflix, faced backlash over a new initiative facilitating the use of actors' likenesses in AI-generated dramas and films. Over 100 celebrities joined a platform connecting them with AI content creators. Chinese actors took to social media to declare they had not or would not sign up to the 'artist database', with fans decrying iQIYI's apparent move to reduce work for human actors. iQIYI clarified that actors would retain control over how their image was used in AI-generated content. Experts warned of risks such as data leakage and unauthorized secondary training. ([gmanetwork.com](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/technology/984659/outrage-in-china-after-streaming-site-debuts-ai-actor-database/story/?utm_source=openai))
3. https://technode.com/2026/04/21/iqiyis-ai-artist-library-faces-growing-storm-as-actors-deny-authorization/ - iQIYI's AI Artist Library initiative, which claims over 100 artists have joined, has faced growing controversy as actors publicly deny authorization. Zhang Ruoyun's studio issued a statement denying involvement, stating no AI-related authorization had been signed and that legal action was underway. Similar denials came from parties associated with other well-known Chinese actors, casting doubt on iQIYI's claims. iQIYI clarified that the artist library is a matchmaking infrastructure for AI-generated content creators and actors, with actual participation requiring case-by-case negotiation. Legal observers flagged risks related to ownership, control, and long-term rights management. ([technode.com](https://technode.com/2026/04/21/iqiyis-ai-artist-library-faces-growing-storm-as-actors-deny-authorization/?utm_source=openai))
4. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/04/21/tech/china-streaming-ai-actor-database/ - iQIYI, China's equivalent of Netflix, faced backlash over a new initiative facilitating the use of actors' likenesses in AI-generated dramas and films. Over 100 celebrities joined a platform connecting them with AI content creators. Chinese actors took to social media to declare they had not or would not sign up to the 'artist database', with fans decrying iQIYI's apparent move to reduce work for human actors. iQIYI clarified that actors would retain control over how their image was used in AI-generated content. Experts warned of risks such as data leakage and unauthorized secondary training. ([japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/04/21/tech/china-streaming-ai-actor-database/?utm_source=openai))
5. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/outrage-in-china-after-streaming-site-debuts-ai-actor-database - iQIYI, China's equivalent of Netflix, faced backlash over a new initiative facilitating the use of actors' likenesses in AI-generated dramas and films. Over 100 celebrities joined a platform connecting them with AI content creators. Chinese actors took to social media to declare they had not or would not sign up to the 'artist database', with fans decrying iQIYI's apparent move to reduce work for human actors. iQIYI clarified that actors would retain control over how their image was used in AI-generated content. Experts warned of risks such as data leakage and unauthorized secondary training. ([straitstimes.com](https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/outrage-in-china-after-streaming-site-debuts-ai-actor-database?utm_source=openai))
6. https://www.tonboriday.com/2026/04/iqiyi-faces-backlash-after-claiming-100.html - iQIYI faced backlash after unveiling AI actors using celebrity faces and voices, as Weibo trends with fury over its controversial digital drama plan. The phrase 'iQIYI has gone Crazy' trended on Weibo after the streaming giant unveiled one of the most controversial plans Chinese entertainment has seen in years. At the latest iQIYI World Conference 2026, executives revealed that more than 100 artists had reportedly signed agreements allowing the platform to use their faces, voices, and performance data to build AI-generated actors for future productions. The backlash intensified after iQIYI chief executive Gong Yu made remarks many online users considered astonishingly blunt. He said AI in film and television is unstoppable, while live-action productions could become increasingly rare and may one day be treated like intangible cultural heritage. iQIYI later explained that this was closer to 'performance transfer' than replacing people outright. Rights to their digital likenesses would remain managed through contracts, with each use requiring permission. That clarification did little to calm critics, who noted that legal wording and real-world enforcement are often two very different dramas. Industry observers say the bigger issue is trust. Streaming platforms are under pressure to cut costs, release content faster, and keep investors happy. AI promises all three. But entertainment is not a factory line, and viewers are famously ruthless when they sense something fake. For now, iQIYI has certainly achieved one thing: everyone is talking about it. Whether this becomes a bold industry leap or a spectacular misread of what audiences actually want remains to be seen. ([tonboriday.com](https://www.tonboriday.com/2026/04/iqiyi-faces-backlash-after-claiming-100.html?utm_source=openai))