National Radio and Television Administration Launches Special Campaign to Regulate “AI-Modified” Videos, Focusing on Protecting Classic Works and Ensuring a Wholesome Online Environment for Minors

The National Radio and Television Administration issued a notice on December 31, announcing a one-month special campaign to regulate “AI-modified” videos across the country, effective from January 1, 2026. The campaign targets the malicious alteration, vulgar deconstruction, and unauthorized reinterpretation of classic films, television shows, and animations using artificial intelligence technology in recent years. Its goals are to preserve the authenticity of literary and artistic works, protect the physical and mental health of minors, and safeguard the foundation of China’s outstanding traditional culture.

In recent years, as generative AI technology has become more accessible, a large number of “AI-modified” videos have emerged on online platforms. These videos distort adaptations of classic literary works such as Dream of the Red Chamber, Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Water Margin, as well as important historical and revolutionary-themed works. Some of this content severely misrepresents the original spirit of the works, subverts character portrayals, and even incorporates violent or vulgar elements. Such practices not only infringe upon the legitimate rights of copyright holders but also negatively impact the cognitive development and cultural identity of young people.

The Campaign Focuses on Three Key Issues:

Distorting Classic Content and Deconstructing Consensus: Subverting the core spirit and character portrayals of classic works, blurring fundamental values and cultural identity.

Promoting Vulgarity and Violence, Violating Public Order and Morals: Deliberately creating bizarre, bloody, or vulgar content that spreads misguided values.

Confusing Historical and Cultural Contexts, Undermining Cultural Heritage: Misusing symbols of Chinese culture and historical settings, leading to misconceptions about traditional civilization among the public, particularly young people.

Simultaneous Crackdown on “Cult Animations” to Strengthen Protection for Minors
The campaign will also target “cult animations” that use AI to alter familiar and beloved animated characters, creating eerie, frightening, or inappropriate content that poses potential harm to the mental well-being of minors.

Strengthening Platform Accountability and Enforcing AI-Generated Content Labeling Standards
In accordance with the Measures for Labeling AI-Generated Content, platforms must clearly label videos, audio, images, and text generated by AI. Online audiovisual platforms are required to enhance their review mechanisms, take down non-compliant “AI-modified” content, penalize repeatedly offending accounts, and conduct self-inspections of built-in AI special effects tools.

Promoting Long-Term Governance and Improving Technology-Enabled Regulatory Mechanisms
Following the concentrated campaign, the National Radio and Television Administration will systematically review its experiences, study and develop long-term governance measures, and gradually establish a coordinated, standards-aligned, and accountability-driven regulatory framework to foster a healthy and orderly ecosystem for AI-generated content.

The National Radio and Television Administration emphasized that the application of artificial intelligence technology must adhere to the core values of socialism and serve literary innovation and cultural heritage preservation. This special campaign marks a new phase in regulating online audiovisual content in the context of emerging technologies and sets clear boundaries for the healthy and orderly development of the industry.