Is Lei Jun’s Recent Criticism Justified? The Rise of AI Voiceovers Sparks Creative Trends, But Lawyers Warn of Unauthorized Use and Potential Infringement

"Hey Lei, why have you been harshly criticizing people lately?" A fan recently posed this question in the comment section of Lei Jun's Weibo account. During the recent National Day holiday, a surge of videos featuring "Lei Jun's" comments flooded short video platforms. In these clips, the voice—often sharp and filled with colorful language—commented on a range of hot topics, from traffic jams to vacations and gaming. Some internet users joked, "I've been scolded by Lei Jun online for a full week during the holiday." However, these videos do not feature Lei Jun's actual voice; instead, they utilize AI-generated voiceovers.

The trend of using Lei Jun's AI voice for creative projects has taken off on social media, sparking a wave of imitation and parody content. On platforms like Douyin, related topics have garnered over 100 million views, with hundreds of associated videos on Bilibili. As curiosity grew, many users inundated Lei Jun's social media with questions about these videos, prompting him to respond with three angry emoji, clearly indicating his displeasure.

From Lei Jun to figures like Ma Baoguo, Ge You, and General MacArthur, AI technology is capable of mimicking a variety of voices. Research shows that numerous AI voiceover programs are currently available, allowing users to select a character's voice and input text to generate speech. Notably, these programs ensure copyright compliance by using code names instead of real names. For instance, the app "Voiceover Rabbit" offers over a hundred voice options, including those resembling Lei Jun, General MacArthur, and others. Users can not only choose the voice but also adjust speed and tone. Most of these programs have text limits, requiring users to purchase a VIP membership when exceeding those limits, typically priced between 30 to 60 yuan.

In addition to ready-made voice programs, users can also create custom voiceovers using AI tools like Ruisheng, adding their desired original voice prompts. Most of the Lei Jun voiceover videos circulating on social media originate from these two methods.

The controversy surrounding AI voice technology isn’t limited to Lei Jun. Just last month, a scandal involving impersonation of "Three Sheep" founder Lu Wenqing became a hot topic. The police confirmed that someone had used AI tools to fabricate Lu's voice, spreading false information. The implicated AI voice company also explained the technical aspects of the incident.

As AI technology advances, voice synthesis has emerged as a novel creative method, enabling a growing number of internet users to express themselves through these tools. However, this development also raises questions about the ethical boundaries of AI applications. While AI voice technology enhances creative possibilities and diversifies content creation, its misuse could lead to legal issues, including copyright infringements.