ByteDance signs AI copyright pact with Hollywood trade group

Disney and other studios in February ​raised concerns that Seedance’s AI tools ​could generate content featuring copyrighted characters and celebrity ‌likenesses ⁠without authorization.

ByteDance and the Motion Picture Association on Monday signed an ​agreement to strengthen copyright safeguards ‌on the Chinese company’s AI video and image-generation models, months after the ​Hollywood trade group challenged its ​handling of intellectual property.

The deal, which ⁠covers ByteDance’s Seedance video and ​Seedream image-generation models, follows a cease-and-desist ​letter the MPA sent in February over these tools.

Disney and other studios in February ​raised concerns the AI tools ​could generate content featuring copyrighted characters and celebrity ‌likenesses ⁠without authorization.

ByteDance said newer versions of the models include stronger intellectual property protections.

Models are offered through services ​including TikTok, ​CapCut ⁠and Dreamina.