China sellers use AI to clone dive queen Quan Hongchan, top athletes to push products

SCMP | Aug. 31, 2025, 9 p.m. | Original
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Online scammers have used artificial intelligence technology to clone Chinese diver Quan Hongchan to sell eggs, while other top mainland athletes have been used in a similar way to promote other products. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin

Egg sellers in China have used artificial intelligence (AI) to clone the country’s diving queen, Quan Hongchan, and other top athletes to sell their wares.

Chinese state media China Central Television reported on August 18 that 47,000 people fell for the AI scam.

The eggs were sold using an account with 14,000 followers.

It posted deepfake videos of 18-year-old Quan promoting free-range eggs produced on her family’s farm.

The video included a clip of “Quan” speaking to the camera, wearing a face mask.

The scammers used a fake image of Quan wearing a mask and a cloned version of her voice. Photo: Handout
The scammers used a fake image of Quan wearing a mask and a cloned version of her voice. Photo: Handout

It then shows chickens on a farm and egg products, with Quan’s voice continuing in the background.

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