Disney accuses ByteDance of ‘digital smash-and-grab’ when utilizing copyrighted works to coach its AI

Disney goes after one other generative AI software, accusing ByteDance and its not too long ago launched Seedance 2.0 of utilizing its copyrighted materials with out permission. As first reported on by Axios, the Walt Disney Firm despatched a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, claiming the Chinese language firm developed its Seedance software “with a pirated library of Disney’s copyrighted characters from Star Wars, Marvel, and different Disney franchises, as if Disney’s coveted mental property had been free public area clip artwork.”

The letter, which was obtained by Axios, included examples of Seedance movies that includes copyrighted Disney characters, together with Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Peter Griffin and extra. Despite the fact that ByteDance simply launched Seedance 2.0 on Thursday, it is already earned reward, but additionally indignation from Hollywood studios, in terms of its AI-generating capabilities.

With the robust early momentum, Seedance has already discovered itself in sizzling water with one of many largest media firms on the planet. Nonetheless, it is not the primary time that Disney has threatened authorized motion in opposition to an AI firm, since Character.AI acquired a cease-and-desist letter for a similar offense in September. A number of months later, Disney even accused Google of copyright infringement when coaching its AI fashions. However, Disney partnered with OpenAI in a three-year licensing agreement that permits the AI big to generate photos and movies utilizing that extremely sought-after mental property.