The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) in China has announced significant progress in its campaign against AI-manipulated videos. In September, a focused crackdown resulted in the removal of nearly 13,000 prohibited videos and the penalization of over 30 accounts across major online audio-visual platforms.
Consolidating Governance Efforts
This initiative, launched in January 2026, aims to tackle the misuse of Artificial Intelligence in altering video content. The latest figures from September showcase the tangible results of this ongoing effort. While specific platform details are yet to be released, the overall impact highlights a commitment to a cleaner online environment.
To ensure the long-term effectiveness of these measures, the NRTA is transitioning the AI video governance work into a normalized, institutionalized, and long-term mechanism starting February 1, 2026. This means the crackdown will not be a one-off event but a continuous process.
Platform Accountability and Content Focus
The NRTA is emphasizing the primary responsibility of major online audio-visual platforms to strengthen their daily content monitoring. The focus of the cleanup is particularly on videos that have been ‘AI-modified’ using classic works such as the Four Great Classical Novels, historical themes, revolutionary themes, and depictions of heroes and role models. Additionally, the campaign is targeting ‘cult animation’ and other forms of harmful content to foster a healthier digital ecosystem.
The continuous efforts aim to create a more positive and regulated online space for all users.
This move is part of a broader strategy to maintain a healthy and orderly cyberspace, ensuring that advanced technologies like AI are used responsibly and ethically. The previous month’s report indicated nearly 14,000 videos removed and over 30 accounts dealt with, showing a consistent and determined approach by the authorities.
The ongoing vigilance and the establishment of a permanent mechanism are expected to deter future violations and uphold the integrity of online media content. Users are encouraged to report any instances of AI-manipulated or other prohibited content they encounter.
