iQIYI Launches AI Artist Database, Faces Criticism and Alleged Market Cap Loss of Hundreds of Billions

iQIYI founder and CEO Gong Yu delivered a speech at the World Conference on the 20th that sparked a huge controversy. He bluntly stated that under the AI wave, live-action filming will become an "intangible cultural heritage," and the “NaDou Pro Artist Database,” i.e., the AI Artist Database, has already obtained AI authorization from 117 artists. In the early morning of the 21st, iQIYI issued another statement emphasizing that artists joining the database were only “expressing intent to cooperate”, and all details would require separate authorization, denying unauthorized inclusion.

During his speech at the conference, Gong Yu stated that the list of actors in the AI database only indicates that they have expressed willingness for AI creative authorization. The rules are the same as live-action shooting, and the business model has not changed. “This allows for a seamless transition and reduces actors’ resistance,” but added that actor earnings may be somewhat lower than before. “Actors work hard, spending five months at Hengdian, working 14 hours a day, having no personal life.” After becoming “ordinary white-collar workers,” they could have a personal life and “earn a bit less,” but could take on more roles, and revenue sharing agreements with producers would also be possible.

The revelations spread rapidly online, with many netizens exclaiming “This is crazy” and questioning whether it involves artists' rights and industry ethics. Meanwhile, a purported list of signed authorizations was circulated online, including hot stars such as Zhang Ruoyun of “Joy of Life”, as well as Chen Zheyuan, Cheng Lei, Li Yitong, Zeng Shunxi, Wang Churan, and others. However, Zhang Ruoyun, Yu Hewei, Li Yitong, Wang Churan, and other celebrities quickly issued clarifications stating they “never signed any AI authorization”, with some even employing legal counsel to safeguard their rights, triggering a public uproar. iQIYI also stated that some artists on the circulated list were “misreported by the media.”

Many believe that while AI can help crews complete dangerous stunts, replacing real actors with stiff AI performers deprives dramas of their essence. One netizen commented: “If four live-action dramas a year are already garbage, what will happen if you let AI make 14 dramas a year? Are you treating viewers like trash cans?” Some say iQIYI has lost its mind, and Shanghai Morning Post described it as “bullying the audience.” Reports that iQIYI's stock price has evaporated by $30 billion (about 11.86 billion ringgit), shrinking its market value by 97%, continue to circulate.

The cost of AI short dramas is only 1% that of live-action productions, causing performance opportunities for extras to drop by 70%, with makeup, styling, and props personnel facing unemployment. Many lesser-known actors also find themselves out of work. Some lawyers point out that if artists sign the “AI database” agreement, their image and voice could be misused and abused. If it involves violence or pornography, it would be difficult to hold anyone accountable.

Source: United Daily News