AI 'Baby Face Prediction' Trend in China Raises Concerns Over Illegal Fetal Sex Identification

A growing number of online vendors in China are offering "AI baby face prediction" services that claim to generate images of unborn babies from fetal ultrasound scans, with some shops allegedly providing illegal fetal sex identification services.

The services have gained significant popularity across major e-commerce platforms. According to reports by Blue Whale News, merchants promote the products using phrases such as "accurate prediction" and "hospital cooperation," claiming artificial intelligence can analyze four-dimensional fetal ultrasound images and create simulated portraits of babies before birth.

Prices for a single AI-generated image range from 5 yuan to 50 yuan (70 US cents-US$7), while some of the best-selling stores reportedly recorded more than 20,000 orders.

One online store named "Jincai Digital" allegedly sent reporters a product link labeled "blue pants or pink skirt," suggesting it could determine fetal sex if customers provided complete ultrasound footage or printed reports. The service reportedly charged between 108 yuan and 188 yuan, with the linked store showing annual sales exceeding 700 orders.

However, after the report was published, the store denied offering such a service when contacted by Jiupai News on May 14. Customer service staff said the AI-generated images were "for appearance prediction only" and could not be used to identify gender.

Among similar online shops contacted by reporters, 12 stores said they could not predict fetal sex and stressed that only medical professionals were qualified to conduct such examinations.

Still, another vendor named "Xinxin's Shop" reportedly told reporters it could identify fetal sex as part of the service package, with prices starting at 6.8 yuan and "no extra fee required."

China prohibits non-medical fetal sex identification by any institution or individual. Merchants found violating the law could face administrative penalties, while severe cases may result in criminal charges, including illegal medical practice.

Major e-commerce platforms responded to the allegations. Taobao said it would investigate the issue and impose penalties such as fines, product removals or store bans if violations were confirmed. JD.com also said it took the matter seriously and would immediately investigate reports involving fetal sex identification services, according to Jiupai News.