iQiyi has recently responded to the backlash over its AI agent, Nadou Pro, following news that more than 100 artistes have signed on to become a part of its database.
On the afternoon of 20 April, iQiyi CEO Dr Gong Yu responded to the controversy in an exclusive interview with CBN, stating that the artistes listed in iQiyi’s NaDou Pro artist database only expressed their willingness to participate in AI production, not that these artistes had agreed to participate in any particular AI project.
As for several artistes like Zhang Ruoyun and Yu Hewei, who have denied their participation, Gong Yu stated that the database does not include the names mentioned by some media outlets.
He stated that iQiyi Nadou Pro’s business model, in principle, aims to seamlessly transfer the relationships between real-world artiste management companies and project production processes to AI production, giving artists decision-making power over their roles in a project.
iQiyi has also posted clarification on its official Weibo account, stating, “The initial purpose of establishing the iQiyi Nadou Pro Artiste Database is to provide AI-generated content creators with a standardised platform to facilitate their selection of artistes during the creation process and to efficiently communicate cooperation details with artistes through iQiyi.”
“It’s important to emphasise that joining iQiyi’s Nadou Pro artiste database signifies an artiste’s willingness to engage with AI-powered film and television projects. However, whether an artiste participates in a specific project or plays a specific role requires separate negotiation and authorisation. This process is consistent with traditional live-action film and television project collaborations,” it added.
(Photo Source: Zhang Ruoyun Fan Account IG, SINA)