China cracks down on AI mash-up videos of classic characters

In short: Chinese regulators and major video platforms are tightening controls on viral videos that remix famous characters from classic Chinese stories using AI.

What happened

Fans have been sharing mash-up romance videos that pair Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Journey to the West, with Lin Daiyu from Dream of the Red Chamber. Some clips use AI-generated scenes, while others edit footage from popular 1980s TV adaptations.

Chinese state media and regulators say some of these remakes change the characters too much and weaken the meaning of the original stories. A People’s Daily editorial called for limits on what it described as “malicious alterations,” especially edits that mock heroes.

China’s National Radio and Television Administration started a nationwide campaign in January 2026 aimed at what it calls “AI magic-modification” videos. That label covers AI-made remakes that officials describe as disruptive or vulgar, including edits involving classic literature, historical topics, revolutionary stories, and well-known public figures.

Platforms say they are already taking large amounts of content down. In September, platforms reported removing more than 7,400 videos that violated rules. Kuaishou said it handled 2,544 items, and WeChat and Douyin also reported enforcement.

Why it matters

This dispute is not only about taste and culture. It also touches copyright and personal image rights. The original novels are public domain, meaning anyone can reuse the story. But the 1980s TV footage and actors’ likenesses may still be protected, like a publisher owning a specific edition of a book even if the story itself is old.

Source: NYTimes