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Zoey Zhang

A 92-year-old snack vendor from southwestern China has sparked a debate over online exploitation after vloggers deliberately provoked her to produce sensational videos presenting her as an “evil granny.”
This case mirrors a similar “camera bullying” incident last November, where tourists filmed an elderly woman from the Yi ethnic group in traditional clothing on a train, despite her apparent discomfort.
“Camera bullying” refers to the act of filming individuals without their consent to garner online views, with critics highlighting the potential emotional damage it can cause.
This issue transcends China’s borders. On TikTok, some teenagers have popularised the “flip the camera” prank, which involves pretending to ask strangers for help filming them before secretly turning the camera around to capture the passers-by’s awkward reactions.

The recent controversy revolved around grandmother Xue, a vendor in Chengdu, Sichuan province, who sells egg-baked pancakes on the street after losing her son to illness. Her determination has garnered support from local residents.
Xue often worked 15 hours a day during busy periods, with monthly earnings occasionally surpassing 20,000 yuan (US$3,000), as reported by local media.
Nevertheless, she has also faced criticism. In 2019, some customers accused her of overcharging and having a poor temper, while others raised concerns about her food hygiene standards.
While Xue mentioned that she does not own a smartphone or understand social media, she acknowledged that improving her attitude towards customers could be beneficial.

However, some vloggers recognised that her controversial image could generate significant online traffic. They filmed her at her stall without buying any food, deliberately provoking her with comments to capture moments of anger or confrontation. Some even reportedly teased her by whistling or blowing smoke rings in her face.
The resulting clips were edited with titles such as “evil granny” or “egg-pancake villain,” receiving thousands of likes.
In several videos, Xue could be heard shouting: “Don’t film me,” and attempting to shield herself from the cameras, but the recording persisted.
Some internet users criticised the videos as a form of “camera bullying,” arguing that her flaws do not justify public humiliation.
“Xue may have shortcomings, but that does not mean she deserves disrespect,” one commenter wrote. “People provoke anger, profit from displaying it, and then label it as justice.”
Another user expressed: “An elderly person of her age still relies on her own labour to make a living. Even if you dislike her, it is inappropriate to disturb her.”

On August 27, Chengdu’s internet authorities shut down two social media accounts, citing violations of Xue’s reputation and privacy rights.
This case has reignited discussions surrounding the boundaries of online content creation in China.
While Chinese law protects citizens’ rights to privacy and personal image, lawyers noted that victims of camera bullying often find it challenging to seek redress due to difficulties in gathering evidence, limited legal awareness, and high litigation costs.
Conversely, some content creators argue that “there is no privacy in public places,” but legal experts warn that this assertion is misleading, as individuals do not relinquish their personal rights merely by being visible to others.


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Chinese food vendor sparks ‘camera bullying’ debate after vloggers portray her as ‘evil granny’

A 92-year-old food vendor in Chengdu has ignited a national conversation on “camera bullying” after video creators flooded her stall, provoking her to display anger, which they then edited to depict her as an “evil granny” for views. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Many vloggers have used Xue’s responses – often marked by irritation when filmed without consent – as material for sensational content, highlighting how her reactions can be exploited for clicks. Photo: Sohu

The photo above shows a montage of videos of Xue displaying a range of emotions when confronted or filmed by customers or strangers. Photo: Douyin

For local residents, however, grandmother Xue represents strength and resilience, diligently selling egg-baked pancakes to make a living after the heartbreaking loss of her son to illness. Photo: China SichuanTV

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People & Culture

Some content creators claim ‘there is no privacy in public places', lawyers clarify that people do not forfeit personal rights by being visible


Some content creators claim ‘there is no privacy in public places', lawyers clarify that people do not forfeit personal rights by being visible.


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Chinese food vendor sparks ‘camera bullying’ debate after vloggers portray her as ‘evil granny’

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Some content creators claim ‘there is no privacy in public places', lawyers clarify that people do not forfeit personal rights by being visible

Some content creators claim ‘there is no privacy in public places', lawyers clarify that people do not forfeit personal rights by being visible