In January 2016, Unity Glory International, an affiliate of VCG, announced that it would acquire the image licensing business of Corbis.

Unity Glory licenses the Corbis libraries to Getty for distribution outside of China via VCG.

The attempt to monetize a historic image meant for public distribution was criticized as being opportunist.

[6][7] On the heels of the controversy, Sina Weibo users (including the Communist Youth League of China) discovered other images that VCG was also claiming ownership of and selling, including corporate logos, and imagery of the Chinese flag and national emblem.

The next day, VCG stated that it had "taken down all non-compliant photos and closed down the site voluntarily for a revamp in accordance with related laws."