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| China Takes Firm Action on AI-Edited Historical Dramas as Classic Works Are Removed (Photo: Weibo) |
China has drawn a clear line in the sand when it comes to AI meddling with its cultural heritage. As artificial intelligence continues to flood the content space, Chinese regulators are now stepping in with firm action, especially where classic literature and historical stories are concerned.
According to information received on 15 January from the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), a nationwide clean-up operation officially kicked off on 1 January 2026 and will run for a full month. The campaign targets the misuse of AI technology in audio-visual content, with particular attention on drama videos that rely on AI editing, reconstruction, or full generation.
The main focus of the operation is AI-produced or AI-altered dramas based on China’s Four Great Classical Novels, historical narratives, revolutionary themes, and portrayals of national heroes or role models.
Regulators believe this type of content risks blurring cultural values, historical facts, and the original spirit of the works and figures being depicted.
During the second week of the campaign, several major online audio-visual platforms released their own handling reports.
These updates confirmed that a number of AI-related videos had been taken down, some accounts were restricted, and moderation systems were tightened to prevent similar content from circulating again.
Authorities stressed that the goal is not to suppress creativity, but to keep the digital environment healthy and responsible.
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AI, they say, should not be used purely for shock value or clicks when it comes to culturally significant works. Protecting the dignity of literature, history, and important national figures remains a top priority.
Online reactions to the move have been mixed. Many viewers and literature fans welcomed the decision, saying classic works and historical stories should not be casually reworked by algorithms without proper context or respect.
Some netizens argued that AI edits often oversimplify complex characters and distort timelines, turning meaningful stories into fast-consumption content.
On the other hand, a group of creators and tech-savvy users questioned where the boundary lies between creative adaptation and misuse.
They believe clearer guidelines are needed so AI can still be explored responsibly without crossing cultural lines. A few also expressed concerns that overly strict rules could limit future experimentation in storytelling formats.
What do you think about this crackdown? Should AI stay away from classic and historical stories, or is there room for responsible innovation?