Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the pervasive issue of false information on the internet, highlighting how it is generated and disseminated through various channels, including social media and AI technologies, creating a complex gray industry that profits from misinformation [4][5][20]. Group 1: Information Pollution - The average Chinese individual spends nearly 8 hours online daily, encountering around 1,000 pieces of information, with a conservative estimate suggesting that hundreds of these are false [4]. - In June 2025, there were approximately 1.85 million reports of online illegal and harmful information across the country [4]. - False content acts like a mental fog, subtly contaminating public perception and trust [4]. Group 2: Mechanisms of Misinformation - The article details how individuals and companies create false narratives, including scriptwriting and video production, with some earning between 70,000 to 900,000 yuan monthly [5][12]. - A specific case involves a character named "Taozi," who produces videos that appear authentic but are scripted and staged, often involving actors portraying delivery personnel and customers in fabricated scenarios [6][9]. - The content often exploits emotional narratives to engage viewers, leading to significant interaction and shares on social media platforms [7][8]. Group 3: Economic Incentives - The production of false narratives is driven by financial incentives, with creators earning money through advertisements and viewer engagement [20][21]. - For instance, "Taozi" can earn around 70,000 yuan monthly from advertisements alone, in addition to revenue from viewer interactions [20]. - The article also mentions a company that utilizes AI to generate and distribute misleading content, highlighting the profitability of such operations [35][36]. Group 4: Social Impact - The spread of false information not only misrepresents individuals but also fosters societal divisions and stigmatizes certain groups, such as delivery workers [22][24]. - The article cites specific incidents where misinformation led to public outrage and personal harm, illustrating the real-world consequences of online falsehoods [23][25]. - It emphasizes the challenge of fact-checking, as misinformation often spreads faster and more widely than corrections can be issued [43][44]. Group 5: AI's Role in Misinformation - AI technologies are increasingly used to generate false information, with studies indicating that even a small percentage of false data in training sets can significantly increase harmful outputs [26][32]. - The article discusses how AI-generated content can manipulate public perception and even influence international relations, as seen in the context of the Ukraine conflict [33][34]. - Companies are leveraging AI to automate the creation of misleading narratives, further complicating the landscape of information integrity [35][36].

Core Insights - The article discusses the ongoing efforts by Chinese internet authorities to combat malicious marketing practices in the short video sector, particularly those utilizing AI technology for identity fraud and misleading marketing [1][2] - A series of typical cases were reported, highlighting accounts that used AI for identity impersonation and were subsequently shut down [1] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The Chinese internet authorities have launched a special campaign named "Qinglang" to address malicious marketing practices in the short video industry [1] - Several accounts, including "F0 Hu Da" and "Two Kids' Mom," were reported for using AI technology to impersonate others and attract followers, leading to their closure [1] Group 2: Industry Practices - The article reveals a gray industry chain where criminals use deepfake technology to mislead the public, quickly gain followers, and then engage in selling products or courses [1] - Some accounts are reportedly listed for sale on account trading websites, indicating a structured approach to account creation and monetization [1] Group 3: Content Creation - A blogger named Wang Cheng (pseudonym) highlighted the ease of creating such videos using AI, stating that they can generate significant revenue, with some earning up to 250,000 yuan from selling books [2] - The production of these videos is described as simple, requiring no on-camera presence or extensive editing, making it accessible to anyone [2]