Chinese Users Report Minimal Returns from Licensing Faces to AI Companies

Companies in China have been recruiting users to license their facial likenesses for use in AI-generated short dramas and advertisements, promising substantial income within a short timeframe. According to reporting by Sixth Tone, participants who signed up for these arrangements have found that the actual financial returns fall far short of what was advertised. The model involves individuals granting permission for their faces to be used in synthetic media productions, a practice that has grown alongside the expansion of AI-generated content in China's entertainment and advertising sectors. Despite the high-income pitches used to attract participants, users report earning very little from the deals. The gap between promised and actual compensation highlights a disconnect between the marketing of AI likeness-licensing schemes and the economic reality experienced by those who participate. The report does not specify the companies involved, the number of users affected, or the exact amounts paid. The development sits within a broader context of rapid AI adoption in Chinese media production, where synthetic performers and digitally generated content are increasingly common, raising questions about how individuals are compensated when their personal likenesses are used in AI-made works.