On August 16–17, 2025, a report surfaced about a person who licensed his likeness for a digital “avatar,” now used in promotional videos on TikTok. While legally the image use may be permitted, audiences often don’t realize it’s a digital clone, not the real person. The article explores the legal pitfalls of such contracts—often featuring broad, irrevocable terms that allow image use in any context, with no takedown options. This raises transparency concerns: do viewers know they’re consenting to ads? Is the content labeled as AI-generated? The piece also delves into misinformation risks—selling supplements via fake “doctors” undermines trust. The conclusion: the avatar licensing market is growing fast, but regulation is lagging, and we need clear rules to protect consumers and individual rights.
He Sold His Likeness. Now His Avatar Is Shilling Supplements on TikTok
