AI Artist's Contact Lens Ad Removed Following Criticism
An advertisement featuring the AI persona "Fang Taozi" promoting contact lenses has been taken down after facing significant backlash. Critics questioned the virtual character's ability to genuinely experience and endorse product comfort.
An advertisement video for contact lenses, featuring the AI persona "Fang Taozi" known from the short drama "The Laid-off Girl," has been removed from her Douyin profile, according to reports. The removal comes after the ad sparked widespread controversy.
The video featured "Fang Taozi" endorsing the contact lenses, claiming they were "comfortable to wear all day" and "stable when blinking," using a narrative approach to promote the product.
Following the video's release, numerous netizens raised concerns, arguing that an AI virtual human does not possess real eyes and therefore cannot have a genuine experience of wearing contact lenses or attest to their comfort. This led to accusations of deceptive advertising.
Under China's Advertising Law, advertisements that use false or misleading content to deceive consumers are considered fraudulent. Specifically, presenting fabricated effects of product use is prohibited. This incident highlights the growing challenges in regulating advertising that utilizes AI-generated virtual influencers and ensuring consumer protection.