China tightens regulation of AI-generated short films

Chinese authorities are tightening regulations on AI-generated short films due to concerns over content quality and legal violations. Wang Xiaoliang, a director at the National Radio and Television Administration, reported that since the beginning of the year, officials have removed 68,000 short films and required platforms to handle over 1,200 accounts.

The crackdown targets content deemed offensive, harmful to children, or in violation of copyright laws. Many AI-produced videos focus on themes of wealth, romance, and power to satisfy viewer fantasies. While AI significantly reduces production costs—ranging from a few dozen to 10,000 yuan per minute—it has also enabled an industrial-scale production model where creators can rapidly test numerous scripts to maximize engagement.

Beyond regulatory issues, the rise of AI short films reflects changing consumption habits. Viewers, particularly younger audiences, increasingly prefer vertical, short-form videos that offer quick entertainment. While AI can struggle with realistic expressions or lip-syncing, the fast-paced, addictive storytelling often compensates for these technical limitations.