Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, renowned for creating TikTok, faces mounting criticism from major Hollywood organizations over its newly launched AI video generation tool. Seedance 2.0, currently available exclusively in China, enables users to produce high-quality videos through simple text prompts, sparking allegations of widespread copyright infringement.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has accused ByteDance of engaging in “unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale.” MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin issued a stern statement declaring that ByteDance has launched the service “without meaningful safeguards against infringement,” thereby disregarding established copyright laws that protect creators and support millions of American jobs. Rivkin demanded immediate cessation of the infringing activities.
Prominent industry figures have joined the condemnation. Screenwriter Rhett Rheese, known for the “Deadpool” franchise, expressed grave concerns on social platform X, suggesting the technology might signal catastrophic implications for creative professionals. His comments referenced a demonstration video created by Irish director Ruairí Robinson featuring AI-generated depictions of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a post-apocalyptic battle scenario.
Actors’ union SAG-AFTRA released an official statement aligning with studio condemnation, emphasizing that Seedance 2.0 enables “blatant infringement” through unauthorized use of members’ voices and likenesses. The union characterized this development as unacceptable, stating it undermines performers’ ability to earn livelihoods and demonstrates disregard for legal, ethical, and industry standards regarding consent.
In response to the growing backlash, ByteDance issued a statement affirming its commitment to intellectual property rights, acknowledging the concerns, and promising to strengthen safeguards against unauthorized use of intellectual property and likenesses by platform users.