Emir Bardakçı
The General Manager of Public Relations at Xiaomi, Wang Hua, commented on the recent Weibo issue addressing spoof videos of Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, created with AI technology. This Weibo involved a “famous scene” of Lei Jun at a press conference-where he said “golden glittering”-which brought amusement and jokes from netizens.
However, it then got out of hand with certain users taking the comedy further by making AI manipulate Lei Jun’s voice for swearing and other inappropriate actions.
Forwarded to Xiaomi’s Legal Team
Commenting in that thread, one asked to resolve the issue of AI-generated swearing in Lei Jun’s voice. Wang Hua replied to him, saying the matter had been forwarded to Xiaomi’s legal affairs. In these spoof videos, there were fabricated scenarios in which he makes Xiaomi phones explode and beats somebody physically. The case has rung serious alarm bells. Short video platforms have already started removing such videos to remedy the situation.
Legal Implications of AI Spoofing
Şawyers explained that the manipulation of Lei Jun using AI-changed voice and video without his consent may infringe on his rights in respect to portrait, voice, and reputation. If these cannot be differentiated from the real ones, they are able to heavily destroy Lei Jun’s social image. Possible legal actions against the creator include the cessation of infringement, issuing public apologies, and compensative damages.
Moreover, if there are rumors with severe influences on society in the fabricated videos, based on the Public Security Administration Punishment Law or even the Criminal Law, the pranksters will receive punishments. Such violations may constitute detention, fines, or even imprisonment, pending the determination of the case based on its severity.
Wang Hua’s prompt response and subsequent relentless legal follow-up showed how Xiaomi would have its executives’ reputations safeguarded, not least in this modern day when AI-crafted content is increasingly used to blur the line separating fact from falsehood-also raising ethical and legal considerations.
