ByteDance Strengthens Copyright Safeguards with New Agreement

Disney and various studios raised alarms earlier this year regarding Seedance’s AI tools. They feared these tools could create content featuring copyrighted characters and celebrity likenesses without proper authorization. On February 13, a demonstration of Seedance2.0 by ByteDance took place in Shanghai, which brought these concerns to a head.

On August 17, 2026, ByteDance alongside the Motion Picture Association (MPA) signed an agreement to bolster copyright protections on ByteDance’s AI models. This development occurred months after the Hollywood trade group expressed doubts about the firm’s intellectual property management.

The agreement specifically addresses ByteDance’s Seedance video generation and Seedream image-generation models. The MPA had previously issued a cease-and-desist letter in February, citing issues with these AI tools.

At that time, Disney and other studios voiced concerns that AI tools might unlawfully create content featuring copyrighted characters and celebrity likenesses. In response, ByteDance reported enhancements to the intellectual-property safeguards in newer versions of the models.

The AI models are incorporated into platforms such as TikTok, CapCut, and Dreamina, offering diversified services to users. Concerns from the MPA centered on whether Seedance might generate content with copyrighted film and television characters unauthorized.

Both ByteDance and the MPA agreed to continue their joint efforts in developing safeguards as AI technology progresses. This continuous collaboration suggests intention to ensure compliance with copyright laws while adapting to technological advancements.