AI-generated fake influencers used to gain followers and promote products
Users on Chinese social media platforms created fake influencer accounts using AI-generated videos impersonating experts in childcare, beauty and wellness, then promoted products for profit. Weibo reported removing over 560 violations and banning 11 accounts as part of an industry cleanup of AI-generated fake content used to attract followers and drive sales.
What happened
Users on Chinese social media platforms created fake influencer accounts using AI-generated videos and images of people, who appeared to be experts in childcare, beauty, wellness and other topics. In a standardized process, creators used text-to-image, image-to-image and image-to-video AI tools to produce videos in minutes.
After accumulating followers through misleading content, the accounts promoted products for profit. Some sellers marketed 'AI account startup' courses and sold pre-made AI accounts.
Reported impact
The fake content crowded out space for original creators and spread misinformation that could harm public trust. Some bad actors used adversarial training to evade platform AI detection systems.
Index analysis
Weibo reported cleaning 560 violations related to 'AI account startup' behaviour, including accounts using AI to generate low-taste sensational videos, AI-generated virtual foreign childcare experts, AI video account tutorials, AI account secrets, methods to evade platform AI labelling, and transfers or sales of AI virtual accounts.
Governance controls
Weibo imposed temporary bans on 11 users and closed accounts belonging to @rope换脸 and @L_KOUKUN. China's 'AI-generated and synthesized content labelling rules' are set to come into force on 1 September 2025, requiring all AI-generated content to be marked.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.