ByteDance signs AI copyright pact with Hollywood trade group

Chinese artificial intelligence firm ByteDance and the Hollywood trade group Motion Picture Association (MPA) have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening copyright safeguards for ByteDance's AI video and image-generation models. This pact comes months after the MPA challenged the company's handling of intellectual property.

The agreement specifically addresses ByteDance's Seedance video and Seedream image-generation tools. In February, major Hollywood studios, including Disney, had expressed concerns that these AI models could generate content featuring copyrighted characters and celebrity likenesses without proper authorization.

ByteDance stated that newer versions of its AI models incorporate enhanced intellectual-property protections. These models are accessible through services such as TikTok, CapCut, and Dreamina. The MPA's challenge in February highlighted worries that Seedance, in particular, could create content using copyrighted film and television characters without permission.

Both ByteDance and the MPA have indicated their commitment to ongoing collaboration. They will continue to work together on developing robust safeguards for copyrighted content as artificial intelligence technology continues its rapid evolution.

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Both sides said they will continue collaborating on safeguards for copyrighted content as AI technology evolves.