Chinese Users Find Little Money in 'Selling' Their Faces to AI (www.sixthtone.com)

Chinese users who licensed their faces for AI-generated content have reported minimal financial returns, with many receiving little to no requests for use of their likenesses. Launched in May 2026, face-licensing platforms like NCAIGC, Mirafans, and ActID aimed to capitalize on the booming ultrashort drama market, where over 90% of the 430,000 dramas released in the first eight months were AI-generated. Users were enticed by promises of quick earnings—up to 2,500 yuan ($370) in just a few days—yet reality reveals a stark mismatch between expectations and outcomes, with most users earning only around 100 yuan per video, if they earn anything at all. This situation underscores significant implications for the AI/ML community, particularly concerning the evolving landscape of digital identity rights. While licensing agreements offer legal protection under China’s Personal Information Protection Law, the low demand for non-celebrity likenesses raises questions about the sustainability of this model. Companies reportedly prefer to use the images of celebrities or well-known influencers, leaving the average user with limited opportunities. Additionally, concerns grow over unauthorized use, as criminals increasingly exploit digital likenesses found on social media. As the market matures, the need for clear legal frameworks governing AI usage and likeness rights becomes more pressing.