A Market for Renting Human Faces for AI-Generated Content Emerges in China
A new biometric data licensing market has emerged in China, enabling citizens, former actors, extras, and influencers to legally rent their facial images for AI-generated content, such as micro-dramas, ads, and video games. Platforms like ActID and New Claw allow users to control usage rights and set prices, which range from $15 to $700 per image or series. This development is driven by the need for real human faces as a base, as fully synthetic faces are often unnatural and trigger the "uncanny valley" effect.
Industry data indicates a massive shift toward AI, with AI-generated micro-dramas comprising over 95% of new releases in early 2026. Key features include detailed catalog filtering, strict user-defined usage restrictions, and no need for acting skills from providers.
While this trend automates content creation and reduces reliance on traditional production, it raises concerns about data security, unauthorized cloning, and the lagging development of digital rights protection technologies. The situation parallels the early stock photography market, but now involves biometric digital templates, prompting questions about balancing commercial benefits with long-term personal data security.
cryptonews.ru07/30 13:21
