China's broadcast regulator addresses AI "magic mod" videos of classic dramas
China's broadcast regulator issued guidance in December 2024 addressing the proliferation of AI-generated "magic mod" videos that alter classic Chinese dramas with anachronistic content and character modifications. The regulator directed short video platforms to remove such content and implement AI moderation, citing concerns about copyright infringement, distortion of cultural understanding, and unauthorized use of performer likenesses.
What happened
AI software has enabled the creation of "magic mod" (้ญๆน) short videos that alter classic Chinese film and television dramas by repositioning characters, changing scenes, and adding anachronistic content. Examples include action sequences added to historical dramas such as gunfights in Zhen Huan Zhuan, martial arts in Dream of the Red Chamber, and motorcycles in Journey to the West.
In December 2024, China's National Radio and Television Administration issued a management advisory (ๆ็คบ) addressing the phenomenon, directing provincial broadcast bureaus to require short video platforms to remove such content and implement generative AI content moderation to prevent misleading and infringing material.
Reported impact
The modified videos risk creating false impressions among viewers unfamiliar with original works, potentially distorting public understanding of classic cultural content and the values conveyed by original creators.
The practice raises copyright concerns, as the videos typically lack authorization from original rights holders and may infringe on the adaptation rights, broadcasting rights, and performer likeness rights of creators and actors.
Index analysis
The AI systems used in these modifications enable synthetic video creation through character transplantation and lip-sync techniques that have become increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic content.
Content moderation challenges arise because platform resources must identify and filter modified content before circulation, and users must distinguish authentic material from altered versions to avoid confusion about traditional cultural narratives.
Governance controls
The National Radio and Television Administration's management advisory requires platform accountability through content audits, removal of infringing material, and clear labeling of AI-generated or modified content.
The advisory references alignment with national standards for labeling synthetic content and calls for shared responsibility among regulators, platforms, viewers, and creators to maintain a clear online video environment.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.