ByteDance Pledges AI Safeguard Revisions Following Hollywood Copyright Clash

Facing intense pressure from major film studios and talent unions, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance has committed to strengthening protections on its latest AI video model. The move follows formal accusations from Disney and Paramount that the tool, Seedance 2.0, is illegally using copyrighted characters and actor likenesses.

Last week, hyperrealistic videos created by the AI, featuring unauthorized depictions of stars like Tom Cruise and characters from franchises including Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z, spread rapidly online. In response, Disney dispatched a cease and desist letter, accusing ByteDance of 'hijacking' its intellectual property. Paramount quickly followed with similar legal demands.

Industry groups have amplified the criticism. The Motion Picture Association alleged copyright infringement on a 'massive scale,' while the SAG-AFTRA union stated the tool uses members' voices and likenesses without permission, undermining their ability to earn a living. 'Seedance 2.0 disregards law, ethics, industry standards and basic principles of consent,' a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson said.

In a statement, a ByteDance spokesperson acknowledged the concerns, saying the company 'respects intellectual property rights' and is 'taking steps to strengthen current safeguards.' The pledge aims to prevent users from generating unauthorized material, but it remains unclear if these technical adjustments will satisfy the entertainment industry's legal and ethical demands. The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between rapid AI innovation and established creative rights.

Source: The Verge