ByteDance says it's going to make it harder for Seedance to make AI videos of copyrighted movie characters

In response to growing concerns over copyright infringement, ByteDance has announced plans to fortify the safeguards associated with its AI video tool, Seedance 2.0. This decision follows a viral AI-generated clip featuring impersonations of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a rooftop altercation that captivated and alarmed viewers alike. The Chinese tech giant, also known for its popular platform TikTok, confirmed in a statement to Business Insider that it intends to 'strengthen safeguards' to address issues related to intellectual property. This announcement comes on the heels of a cease-and-desist letter from Disney, which accused ByteDance of unlawfully reproducing and distributing works featuring its iconic characters. A ByteDance spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to respecting intellectual property rights and acknowledged the concerns raised about Seedance 2.0. They stated, 'We are taking steps to strengthen current safeguards as we work to prevent the unauthorized use of intellectual property and likeness by users.' However, specifics regarding the new measures were not disclosed. Seedance 2.0, launched earlier this year, has faced scrutiny from Hollywood stakeholders worried about the ramifications of AI in the entertainment industry. Charles Rivkin, the chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, criticized the tool for allegedly promoting unauthorized use of copyrighted materials. He remarked, 'By launching a service that operates without meaningful safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is disregarding well-established copyright law that protects the rights of creators and underpins millions of American jobs.' The recent AI-generated video featuring the faux showdown between Cruise and Pitt quickly gained traction online, with many users praising its realism. Additionally, Seedance 2.0 has created buzz with other clips, including a battle between Marvel's Wolverine and Thanos, and a lightsaber duel involving Star Wars characters Anakin Skywalker and Rey, both of which are under Disney's ownership. Despite Disney's warnings to cease using its intellectual property, it recently entered a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI, allowing users of its video-generation tool, Sora, to access various Disney characters.