On May 31, 2025, a viral video claiming to show Chinese paraglider Peng Yujiang soaring 8,000 meters due to an updraft was found to be partially AI-generated, leading to a six-month ban for Peng and his friend.
The AI-generated paraglider video, initially lauded for Peng’s survival in -40°C conditions, was flagged after analysis revealed its first five seconds bore traces of ByteDance’s Doubao AI tool, as reported by NBC News.
Peng, 55, claimed he was testing secondhand paragliding equipment at 3,000 meters when an updraft propelled him to 8,000 meters, enduring hypoxia and frostbite. However, GetReal Labs’ analysis confirmed synthetic elements in the video’s opening frames, noting a cropped Doubao AI logo.
Reuters reported that a separate Facebook post on May 25 included the watermark. The authenticity of the remaining footage remains unclear, fueling the viral video controversy.
"I found myself surrounded by clouds."
A 55-year-old paraglider in China said he was "terrified" after strong winds sent him flying more than 8,000 metres high, leaving him with very little oxygen. https://t.co/FP7HOw5yQQ pic.twitter.com/K9qnNIaDx1
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 30, 2025Reuters, which initially distributed the clip without an AI logo, later retracted it, stating, “We have reason to believe this is an AI-generated video.” Other news outlets followed suit by removing their versions of the Peng Yujiang video. This incident highlights the challenges of verifying viral content, particularly as AI tools become more widespread.
The AI-generated paraglider video exposes the risks of AI-manipulated media, impacting public trust and safety perceptions. Peng’s ban underscores China’s enforcement of paragliding regulations, while the controversy sparks global discussions on AI ethics in viral storytelling.
