In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and creativity, a new AI video-generation model named Seedance 2.0 has sparked significant controversy among Hollywood unions. Critics argue that this tool represents a serious threat to copyright protections.
Seedance 2.0 was unveiled this week, with initial availability for Chinese users through Jianying, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Plans are underway to launch the service globally via CapCut.
Similar to other tools in its category, Seedance allows users to generate videos lasting up to 15 seconds from a simple text prompt. However, critics emphasize concerns about the absence of effective safeguards to prevent the unauthorized use of images featuring real individuals and copyrighted content from studios.
“I don’t want to say this. Probably, it’s all behind us.”
Following the launch, Deadpool screenwriter Rhett Reese voiced his skepticism regarding the industry’s future engagement with such technologies.
“In one day the Seedance 2.0 Chinese AI service carried out unauthorized use of US-copyright-protected works on a massive scale.”
In response, the Motion Picture Association issued a formal notice to ByteDance, demanding an immediate halt to these infringement activities. CEO Charles Rivkin stated that Seedance 2.0 “violates well-established copyright law and undermines millions of jobs in America.”
“In launching a service that operates without meaningful safeguards against violations, ByteDance is flouting well-established copyright law.”
The Human Artistry Campaign, an initiative backed by various Hollywood unions and trade organizations, has condemned Seedance 2.0 as “an attack on a single creator worldwide.”
“an attack on a single creator worldwide”
Alongside these developments, SAG-AFTRA has also made their stance clear, aligning with studios to denounce apparent violations of rights.
Disney has taken legal actions against ByteDance, filing lawsuits and issuing a cease-and-desist letter. They accuse Seedance of “virtual fast seizure of Disney IP rights” and “stealing Disney characters by reproducing, distributing, and creating derivative works using these characters.”
“virtual fast seizure of Disney IP rights”
“stealing Disney characters by reproducing, distributing, and creating derivative works using these characters”
TechCrunch has reached out to ByteDance for comments regarding the issues raised. Anthony Ha, the weekend editor for TechCrunch, previously worked at Adweek and VentureBeat and is currently located in New York. For inquiries, you can reach him at [email protected].
Ultimately, the industry remains engaged in an ongoing dialogue about how to balance technological innovation with the protection of creators’ rights, striving to find a responsible path for AI integration in film and multimedia.
