ByteDance Halts Seedance 2.0 AI Over Disney Legal Threats
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is taking steps to improve safeguards around its Seedance 2.0 AI model. This decision comes after significant backlash from Hollywood regarding copyright violations. Both Disney and Paramount have issued cease and desist letters, urging ByteDance to halt its alleged infringement on intellectual property.
Copyright Controversy Over Seedance 2.0
In a recent statement, ByteDance acknowledged the concerns raised about Seedance 2.0, stating it respects intellectual property rights. The company committed to taking measures to prevent the unauthorized use of Hollywood characters and content.
Legal Threats from Disney and Paramount
- Disney accused ByteDance of utilizing a pirated library filled with its copyrighted characters.
- Paramount highlighted that Seedance 2.0 created “vivid depictions” of its iconic franchises.
These claims come on the heels of Seedance 2.0’s launch, which showcased deepfake technology capable of producing highly realistic video content. Among the viral creations was a scene featuring a fictional fight between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, along with alternate endings for popular series such as Stranger Things.
Industry Response
The Motion Picture Association expressed significant concern, stating that Seedance 2.0 engaged in massive unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works. They argue that the lack of meaningful safeguards demonstrates a disregard for copyright laws that protect creators and support millions of jobs in the U.S.
Moreover, the Human Artistry Campaign, which includes SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America, called the launch of Seedance 2.0 an attack on creators worldwide. They emphasized that using AI to replicate human artistry undermines culture and poses serious ethical implications.
Next Steps for ByteDance
Moving forward, ByteDance has pledged to enhance its protections against the misuse of creators’ work. The company aims to ensure that users cannot generate content that infringes upon the intellectual property of Hollywood studios.
The developments surrounding Seedance 2.0 highlight the ongoing tensions between technological innovation and copyright laws. As the situation unfolds, many in the entertainment industry will be watching closely to see how ByteDance implements these necessary changes.
