Beijing Internet Court Details Rising Online Infringement Risks Targeting Seniors

According to China News Service, the Beijing Internet Court reported on its handling of online infringement disputes involving seniors. Vice President Yi Jun stated that the court accepted 4671 infringement disputes involving individuals aged 60 and older. Reputation disputes represented over 70 percent of these disputes, with some matters involving illicit uses of artificial intelligence deep synthesis to generate seniors' likenesses or voices for inappropriate ends. In an illustrative case outlined by the court, an individual identified as Li Moujia, then aged 66, appeared without compensation with family members in a recorded public welfare television broadcast documenting the birth of twins. In November 2021, the family discovered that Li Mouyi published an edited video excerpt on a platform account, adding false subtitles alleging domestic violence and mother-in-law disputes. This video produced harmful social effects after attracting significant online views and comments, leading Li Moujia and family members to sue in court. The court ruled that the published content lacked factual support and lowered the community's assessment of the three plaintiffs, thereby infringing their reputation rights. The court ordered Li Mouyi to issue an apology statement on the video platform account, make a public apology, and pay compensation for mental distress. Yi Jun also outlined a case clarifying that unauthorized commercial synthesis of a senior's voice constitutes personality rights infringement when vocal timbre, intonation, cadence, and public recognition identify a specific elderly person. Negligent commissioning parties carry joint liability.