AI and the Future of Performance: How Chinese Media and Platforms Are Redefining Art, Authenticity, and Audience Trust

Chinese state media has entered the growing debate over artificial intelligence in entertainment, criticizing performers who deny granting AI usage rights while highlighting public resistance to platforms like iQiyi’s AI artist database. The commentary, published by The Paper, frames the controversy as a defense of authentic artistic expression, arguing that “the beauty of art lies first in truth” amid rising concerns about digital replication and consent in the entertainment industry.

The discussion centers on iQiyi’s launch of its “Nadou Pro” professional AI creation platform in April 2026, which includes an artist database featuring over 100 performers who reportedly agreed to participate. According to iQiyi’s senior vice president Liu Wenfeng, artists including Ma Su, Cheng Taishen, Chen Zheyuan, Zeng Shunxi, and Jiang Long have joined the platform’s talent pool. Though, multiple artists have since issued public statements denying they authorized AI-generated use of their likenesses, voices, or performances, sparking widespread skepticism about the platform’s consent mechanisms.

iQiyi’s founder and CEO Gong Yu clarified that inclusion in the artist database does not constitute blanket authorization for AI use. Speaking at the 2026 iQiyi World Conference in Beijing on April 20, he emphasized that any specific role or project requires individual negotiation and explicit permission, maintaining that the platform functions merely as a connection tool between creators and artists—not as a substitute for traditional contracting processes. “Artists must agree to participate in your project and to play specific roles,” Gong stated, noting that intermediaries such as agents and agencies remain involved, preserving existing industry practices.

The state media critique aligns with broader public unease over AI’s role in creative fields, particularly fears that unchecked deployment could undermine performers’ rights and reduce artistic work to commodified data. Critics argue that platforms like Nadou Pro risk normalizing the use of AI-generated content without adequate safeguards, potentially enabling unauthorized deepfakes or synthetic performances that erode trust in media authenticity. Supporters, however, contend the system streamlines casting by providing transparent access to artist preferences and contact channels, reducing logistical barriers for independent creators.

Verification through official sources confirms iQiyi’s position that its AI artist library operates under the same consent frameworks as conventional production. No evidence suggests the platform bypasses standard approval workflows, and the company maintains that all AI-generated depictions of participating artists require case-by-case authorization. As of April 23, 2026, no legal challenges or regulatory interventions have been reported specifically targeting iQiyi’s Nadou Pro platform, though national cultural authorities continue monitoring developments in AI-generated content under existing intellectual property and publicity rights frameworks.

The ongoing dialogue reflects a global tension between technological innovation in media production and the protection of individual artistic identity. While iQiyi insists its model enhances rather than replaces human creativity, stakeholders across the industry call for clearer standards governing AI training data, usage disclosure, and artist remuneration in synthetic media projects. For updates on policy developments or industry guidelines regarding AI in entertainment, readers may consult official releases from China’s National Radio and Television Administration or the China Association of Performing Arts.

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