Film industry organizations criticize ByteDance's artificial intelligence video creation tool, alleging violations of copyright.

 

A new video generation tool powered by artificial intelligence from ByteDance, based in Beijing and the creator of TikTok, is stirring discontent among Hollywood organizations that claim Seedance 2.0 "clearly" infringes on copyright and utilizes the images of actors and others without acquiring necessary permissions. 

 

 Currently limited to users in China, Seedance 2.0 allows people to create high-quality AI-generated videos simply by inputting text prompts. The tool has rapidly faced backlash from the movie and television industries. 

 

The Motion Picture Association stated that Seedance 2.0 "has unlawfully utilized American copyrighted materials on a large scale." "By introducing a service that functions without effective measures to prevent copyright violations, ByteDance is ignoring established copyright regulations that safeguard the rights of creators and support countless jobs in the United States. 

 

ByteDance must halt its infringing practices immediately," Charles Rivkin, the MPA's chairman and CEO, remarked in a statement released on Tuesday. Screenwriter Rhett Rheese, known for his work on the “Deadpool” films, expressed concern on X last week, stating, “Regrettably, I must say it. It’s probably the end for us.”

 

 His comment referenced a post by Irish director Ruairí Robinson showcasing a Seedance 2.0 video featuring AI-generated versions of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt battling in a ruined landscape. 

 

The actors' union SAG-AFTRA declared on Friday that it “supports the studios in denouncing the obvious infringement” facilitated by Seedance 2.0. 

This is intolerable and undermines the ability of talented individuals to make a living,” SAG-AFTRA stated in their announcement. “Seedance 2.0 disregards legal norms, ethical standards, industry guidelines, and fundamental principles of consent. 

 

Responsible artificial intelligence development necessitates accountability, which is completely absent in this case.” In a statement on Sunday, ByteDance asserted that it acknowledges the importance of intellectual property rights. 

 

 "(We) have noted the feedback regarding Seedance 2.0. We are implementing measures to enhance existing protections while striving to prevent users from unlawfully using intellectual property and likenesses,” the company stated.