Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng has initiated legal action against the spread of what it claims is a fabricated, AI-generated video designed to damage its brand. The incident, centered around the recent Guangzhou Auto Show, unfolded on Friday, November 28, when a deeply manipulated video circulated across mainland Chinese social media platforms depicting unprofessional and explicit behavior allegedly occurring at the company’s exhibit. XPeng’s swift response included preserving evidence, filing a formal complaint with public security authorities, and strongly condemning the use of artificial intelligence for corporate defamation.
Malicious Content Targets Auto Show Display
The controversy first surfaced when a video went viral online, appearing to show a woman engaging in lewd acts, including removing clothing, with XPeng’s new P7 electric saloon prominently displayed in the background. The visuals immediately suggested an affiliation with the automaker’s participation at the prestigious Guangzhou event.
XPeng’s legal department promptly issued a statement refuting the content’s authenticity. They characterized the clip as a “malicious, AI-generated fabrication” specifically orchestrated to smear the company’s reputation. The legal team emphasized that the dissemination accounts were deliberately using “vulgar and false pornographic footage” set against the backdrop of their stand to incite negative publicity and unjustly denigrate the brand and its products.
XPeng Vows Legal Accountability Against Defamation
The automaker stressed that this deliberate manipulation goes beyond simple negative commentary, amounting to a violation of public decency, pollution of the online environment, and a clear infringement of the company’s lawful rights. XPeng also categorically denied inviting any professional models or performers to its stand, highlighting its opposition to promotional tactics involving inappropriate or suggestive content.
“Such behavior crosses legal red lines,” the legal team stated. Police authorities are now actively investigating the source and circulation of the deepfake content. The automaker is dedicating significant resources toward identifying and holding accountable those responsible for creating and distributing the footage.
The Growing Threat of AI-Powered Corporate Smear Campaigns
This incident underscores the rapidly emerging threat posed by sophisticated generative AI tools in the realm of corporate communications and image integrity. The technology allows bad actors to create highly realistic yet entirely false scenarios, often making immediate content authentication difficult for the public and social media platforms.
For companies operating in competitive, high-visibility sectors like the automotive industry, the challenge of combating deepfakes is paramount. The speed at which fabricated content can circulate necessitates immediate, comprehensive legal and public relations responses to mitigate reputational risk.
XPeng is committed to pursuing the case to the fullest extent of the law, viewing this action not only as a defense of its brand but also as a necessary stand against the misuse of powerful AI technology for destructive purposes. As the investigation continues, this case may set important precedents for how Chinese law addresses AI-powered corporate defamation in the digital age.