Disney Challenges ByteDance Over Seedance 2.0 AI Model with Legal Notice
Disney has taken significant legal action against ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, concerning its new platform Seedance 2.0. The entertainment giant issued a cease and desist letter, claiming that Seedance 2.0 is utilizing a pirated library consisting of Disney’s copyrighted characters.
Disney’s Concerns Over Copyright Infringement
Disney contends that Seedance 2.0 treats its intellectual property, including popular franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Family Guy, as though they are freely available resources. The company’s legal team described ByteDance’s actions as “willful, pervasive, and totally unacceptable.” This concern was first reported by Axios and has garnered significant attention since.
Backlash and Industry Reactions
The emergence of Seedance 2.0 has prompted criticism not only from Disney but also from various organizations within the entertainment industry. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has joined in condemning the platform, urging ByteDance to halt its allegedly infringing activities.
- The Human Artistry Campaign stated that Seedance 2.0 is an attack on creators worldwide.
- Key industry players like SAG-AFTRA and the DGA expressed similar concerns.
- The MPA highlighted the lack of meaningful safeguards against copyright infringement.
Impact of Seedance 2.0
Seedance 2.0 quickly invoked outrage when deepfake content based on well-known Hollywood film and TV properties went viral. Notable examples included a simulated fight scene between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, alongside alternate endings for the series Stranger Things. This prompted immediate industry backlash.
The MPA emphasized that ByteDance has disregarded established copyright laws. “In a single day, the service has engaged in unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale,” they stated. The potential repercussions of these actions threaten the livelihood of countless creators and industry professionals in the U.S.
Disney’s Legal Approach
This isn’t the first time Disney has faced issues regarding its intellectual property. In December, Disney issued a similar cease and desist notice to Google concerning its AI tools, Gemini and Nano Banana, which reportedly began restricting prompts related to Disney characters.
Future Endeavors and Collaborations
Amid these legal challenges, Disney is also exploring opportunities in the AI sector. The company recently signed a substantial $1 billion deal with OpenAI, aiming to license its characters for the generative video app, Sora. This move illustrates Disney’s commitment to engaging with emerging technology while safeguarding its valuable intellectual properties.
