Alibaba’s decision to open-source its AI video generator has sparked concerns over deepfake risks
Alibaba has ignited a fierce global debate after making its AI video generation models free to use. The Chinese tech giant has open-sourced four models from its Wan2.1 series, enabling users worldwide to generate realistic videos and images from simple text or image inputs.
This move has sent shockwaves through the artificial intelligence industry, raising urgent questions about deepfake technology, misinformation, and security risks. The models are now available via Alibaba Cloud’s Model Scope and Hugging Face, making them accessible to academics, businesses, and developers across the globe.
Alibaba’s decision has already had a significant financial impact, with its Hong Kong-listed shares jumping nearly 5%. Investors see this as a bold step in China’s AI dominance, but critics fear it may open the floodgates to unregulated deepfake technology.
The release comes at a time when open-source AI is facing increased scrutiny. In January, Chinese AI firm DeepSeek rattled the global market by revealing it had trained a powerful AI model at a fraction of the cost of competitors, despite using less advanced Nvidia chips. Alibaba’s latest announcement has only intensified concerns over who truly controls the future of artificial intelligence.
Unlike proprietary models such as those created by OpenAI, open-source AI can be downloaded, modified, and used without restrictions. This gives developers more freedom, but also removes built-in safety barriers designed to prevent misuse. Some fear that this could accelerate the spread of deepfake propaganda, fraud, and digital deception.
The timing of this decision aligns with Alibaba’s aggressive expansion into AI. Since launching its first open-source model in August 2023, the company has ramped up efforts to challenge U.S. tech giants like OpenAI, Meta, and Google. While Meta leads the open-source AI race in the West with its Llama models, Alibaba is now seen as China’s most powerful AI player.
Alibaba’s recent financial success has also played a role in this decision. Its stock has soared 66% in 2025, driven by stronger backing from Chinese President Xi Jinping and growing confidence in its AI capabilities. The company’s ability to outpace rivals in open-source AI is being closely watched by both investors and regulators.
The implications of freely available AI video generation are profound. Supporters argue that this move will democratise AI, making it accessible to researchers and businesses without the constraints of high-cost proprietary models. However, governments and tech experts are alarmed at how easily this technology could be exploited for misinformation, political manipulation, and cybercrime.
A major concern is how AI-generated videos are becoming indistinguishable from real footage. With no restrictions on who can access these tools, it may soon become impossible to tell fact from fiction online. The risk of AI-driven election interference, financial fraud, and deepfake scams is increasing, putting pressure on global regulators to act swiftly.
As the battle between open-source and proprietary AI intensifies, one thing is clear—Alibaba’s decision has forever changed the landscape of artificial intelligence. Whether this is a breakthrough for innovation or a dangerous turning point remains to be seen.
