Possible AI-Generated Video Defaming Foreigners, Yet Debunked Posts Remain Online

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A viral claim that several foreign tourists were bathing with soap in a protected drinking water source area has sparked widespread outrage online in China. But according to the scenic area accused in the posts, the story appears to be falling apart under scrutiny.

On May 30, a post surged to the top of Chinese social media trends, claiming that several foreign men, wearing only shorts, were seen washing themselves with soap in a waterfall area of Shenlong Valley Scenic Area in Suichang County, Zhejiang Province. The post alleged that witnesses tried to stop them, warning that the location was a protected drinking water source, but the men allegedly ignored the warnings and continued bathing, leaving yellowish foam floating on the water.

The story quickly spread across multiple platforms, with many users expressing anger and demanding punishment for the individuals involved.

However, later that evening, officials from Shenlong Valley Scenic Area publicly denied the claims. According to the scenic area's management, the photos circulating online were "100% not taken within the scenic area's jurisdiction" and had no connection to Shenlong Valley whatsoever.

The scenic area further explained that it has been closed since April 23, 2025, for infrastructure upgrades and remains closed to visitors. Management stated that strict access controls have been in place throughout the closure, making it impossible for tourists—or anyone else—to enter the waterfall area described in the viral posts.

The controversy has become even more complicated after some technical analysts suggested that the viral video may have been generated or manipulated using AI. According to online discussions examining the footage, several visual inconsistencies and unusual details have raised questions about its authenticity. While no official determination has been made regarding the video's origin, the possibility that AI-generated content may have played a role has fueled further skepticism about the entire narrative.

If the scenic area's statement is accurate, the most puzzling aspect of this incident is no longer the alleged bathing itself, but the continued spread of the rumor after it was publicly debunked.

The original posts, screenshots, and videos remain widely available online, and many users continue sharing them as if they depict Shenlong Valley, despite the official denial.

This raises a broader question about consistency in the enforcement of misinformation rules.

China has previously punished individuals for fabricating and spreading false information online. In several well-publicized cases, internet users were fined or administratively detained after posting misleading content designed to attract attention and generate traffic. Authorities have repeatedly stated that those who create or knowingly spread rumors can face legal consequences.

Given that precedent, some netizens are now asking:

• If this story has been officially denied, why does the content remain online?

• Will the original source of the claim be held accountable if the allegations prove false?

• Should users who continue spreading a debunked story face consequences as well?

Regardless of whether the people involved are Chinese or foreign, the principle should be the same: claims should be verified before they are amplified.

If misconduct actually occurred, those responsible should be investigated and punished according to the law. But if the story itself is false, then accountability should also extend to those who created and spread the misinformation.

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