TikTok Creator’s AI Video Tool Faces Hollywood Backlash

A new AI video generator, Seedance 2.0, developed by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is facing serious backlash from Hollywood. Critics argue that the platform infringes on copyright laws by using actors’ likenesses without consent. Currently, Seedance 2.0 is only available in China, and it allows users to create AI-generated videos from simple text prompts.

Hollywood’s Response to Seedance 2.0

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has condemned Seedance 2.0 for engaging in what they call “unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale.” MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin emphasized the threat such tools pose to creators and American jobs.

“By launching a service that operates without meaningful safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is disregarding well-established copyright law,” said Rivkin. He called on ByteDance to halt these activities immediately.

Industry Reactions

• Screenwriter Rhett Rheese, known for the “Deadpool” series, expressed his concerns on X, stating, “I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.”
• Irish director Ruairí Robinson shared a video featuring AI renditions of actors Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting in a post-apocalyptic setting, amplifying the outrage over these AI capabilities.
• The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA sided with the studios, labeling the use of actors’ voices and likenesses without permission as “unacceptable.”

The Ethical Concerns

SAG-AFTRA remarked that the operation of Seedance 2.0 disregards legal and ethical standards. The union highlighted that such practices undermine the ability of human talent to earn a livelihood.

“Responsible AI development demands responsibility, and that is nonexistent here,” they stated.

ByteDance’s Position

In response to the controversy, ByteDance asserted that it respects intellectual property rights. The company admitted to hearing concerns regarding Seedance 2.0 and stated that they are taking steps to enhance safeguards against unauthorized use of intellectual property.

As the debate continues, the future of AI-generated content and its ramifications on the creative industry remains uncertain. The growing concerns over the use of AI tools like Seedance 2.0 highlight the need for clearer regulations in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.