Chinese artists have launched a boycott against the popular social media platform Xiaohongshu following a contentious dispute over the platform’s AI image-generation tool, Trik AI. The controversy began when an artist, known by the pseudonym Snow Fish, alleged that Xiaohongshu had utilized her artwork without her consent or knowledge to train its AI tool. This revelation has ignited a debate surrounding intellectual property rights and AI usage in the creative sphere, as reported by CNN.
Xiaohongshu’s Trik AI is renowned for its ability to produce digital art reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings. However, the company has not disclosed the specific artworks used to train its AI model, which has further fueled the artists’ outrage.
Snow Fish became aware of the situation when a friend shared an artwork remarkably similar to her own, generated by Trik AI. In response, Snow Fish posted on Xiaohongshu, addressing the AI tool directly: “Can you explain to me, Trik AI, why your AI-generated images are so similar to my original works?”
As the controversy gained momentum, more artists joined the campaign against Xiaohongshu, asserting that their primary concern is not the AI itself but rather the unauthorized use of their artworks for AI training. Zhang, another Chinese illustrator, expressed his frustration, stating, “They’re shameless. They didn’t put in any effort themselves; they just took parts from other artists’ work and claimed it as their own. Is that appropriate?” He emphasized his concerns to CNN, remarking on the potential devaluation of art, saying, “In the future, AI images will only be cheaper in people’s eyes, like plastic bags. They will become widespread like plastic pollution.”
Snow Fish disclosed that a representative from the official Trik AI account on Xiaohongshu privately acknowledged using her work to train the AI model and offered an apology. However, she contends that a public apology from the company is necessary to rectify the situation.
This dispute highlights a broader issue regarding the relationship between technology giants and artists in China, echoing similar concerns voiced by creators worldwide. The debate encompasses questions about intellectual property, attribution, and the responsibilities of tech companies when utilizing artists’ work to train AI algorithms.
This situation in China shares parallels with developments in the United States, where striking writers and actors have halted numerous film and television productions in recent months, partly due to concerns surrounding studios’ use of AI technology. The global conversation around AI and the arts is expanding, as creatives and tech companies grapple with finding a balance between innovation and respecting the rights of artists who contribute to these advancements.