ByteDance to Curb AI Video App After Disney Legal Threat
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Osmond Chia, Business Reporter
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Disney owns multiple franchises, including Marvel and its characters like Spider-Man.
Chinese technology giant ByteDance has announced plans to rein in its controversial artificial intelligence (AI) video-making tool, Seedance, following legal threats from Disney and concerns raised by other major entertainment companies.
Recently, videos created with Seedance’s latest iteration have gained popularity online, praised for their realism. However, this surge has alarmed several Hollywood studios, which accuse the platform’s creators of copyright infringement.
Legal Challenges Faced by ByteDance
– Cease-and-Desist Letter: Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, alleging it provided Seedance with a pirated library of the studio’s copyrighted characters, including iconic figures from Marvel and Star Wars.
– Accusations of Theft: Disney’s legal team described ByteDance’s actions as a virtual smash-and-grab of their intellectual property, claiming the unauthorized use of cherished superheroes and beloved cartoon characters.
In response to these serious allegations, ByteDance communicated to the BBC, stating, We respect intellectual property rights, and we have heard the concerns regarding Seedance 2.0. They emphasized efforts to enhance current safeguards, aiming to prevent unauthorized uses of intellectual property by users. However, specifics about the safeguards remain undisclosed.
Understanding Seedance
Seedance, similar to other generative AI tools, can create compelling videos from short text prompts. Since launching its 2.0 version on February 12, many of Seedance’s clips featuring well-known actors and shows have gone viral.
The BBC discovered clips allegedly generated by Seedance showcasing well-known characters, such as:
– Anakin Skywalker and Rey engaged in an epic lightsaber duel.
– Spider-Man battling Captain America in the bustling streets of New York.
ByteDance had previously announced the suspension of users uploading images of real individuals, reiterating its commitment to respect copyright protections and intellectual property rights.
Broader Industry Response
Disney’s legal actions are not isolated; other Hollywood entities have also expressed concerns regarding Seedance. Notably, Paramount Skydance reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding that Seedance stop using its content. The Motion Picture Association, which represents leading U.S. studios like Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount, and Netflix, has called for the tool to immediately cease its infringing activity. Additionally, the actors’ union Sag-Aftra accused Seedance of blatant infringement.
Global Implications
The situation has also led to investigations beyond Hollywood. The Japanese government has launched an inquiry into ByteDance concerning potential copyright violations following the appearance of AI-generated videos featuring popular Japanese anime characters.
This comes amid a backdrop of legal actions against other AI-generated content platforms. Last year, Disney and NBCUniversal took legal action against the AI image generator Midjourney, accusing it of producing endless unauthorized copies of their proprietary works. That case remains ongoing, highlighting the industry’s growing concern over AI’s impact on creative content.
As Disney seeks to protect its intellectual property, it has asked Google to restrict the generation of its characters on the tech giant’s AI platforms. The ongoing developments in this arena signal the rising tension between innovation and intellectual property rights, making it a critical conversation for the future.
Conclusion
ByteDance’s plan to curb its AI video app follows a clear legal threat from Disney that raises significant questions about copyright and intellectual property in the age of artificial intelligence. As the entertainment industry grapples with the implications of generative AI tools like Seedance, the balance between creative advancement and legal protection remains a pivotal challenge.