China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) will initiate a month-long campaign starting January 1, 2026, to combat the proliferation of AI-generated videos that distort cultural works and undermine public values. The move comes amid growing concerns over generative AI tools being used to create parodies, violent reinterpretations, and vulgarized versions of classic films, historical dramas, and revolutionary-themed content.
Authorities will prioritize removing videos that misrepresent China's Four Great Classical Novels, historical figures, and heroic role models. Content promoting sensationalism, distorted values, or cultural misinterpretations – particularly those altering children's cartoon characters into 'cult-style' animations – will face strict scrutiny. The NRTA emphasized protecting national identity and public morality while addressing cases of AI-driven historical revisionism.
Following the campaign, regulators plan to develop long-term governance measures to maintain standardized oversight of AI-generated content. The initiative reflects China's broader efforts to balance technological innovation with cultural preservation in the digital age.
