ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is enhancing the security measures of its AI video generator after facing accusations from Disney, Paramount, and Hollywood trade organizations. These groups claim the tool infringes on copyright laws. The controversy erupted when ultra-realistic videos created by the Seedance 2.0 model gained popularity, featuring actor likenesses such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, as well as characters from popular franchises like Dragon Ball Z, Family Guy, and Pokémon.

In response to these concerns, a ByteDance spokesperson told CNBC, “ByteDance values intellectual property rights and acknowledges the issues surrounding Seedance 2.0. We are actively improving our safeguards to prevent unauthorized use of intellectual property and likenesses by users.”

The company’s move follows complaints from major entertainment studios. Disney issued a cease and desist letter on Friday, accusing ByteDance of unlawfully using its characters for reproduction, distribution, and derivative works. According to Deadline, Paramount Skydance also sent a similar letter demanding ByteDance remove infringing content and prevent future violations involving Paramount material.

Hollywood trade bodies, including the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the SAG-AFTRA talent union, have also voiced their concerns. MPA CEO Charles Rivkin condemned ByteDance for mass-scale copyright infringement, stating it undermines laws supporting “millions of American jobs.” SAG-AFTRA has highlighted that its members’ voices and likenesses have been used without permission by Seedance 2.0.

SAG-AFTRA criticized the situation in a statement to AP News, saying, “This behavior is unacceptable and threatens the livelihoods of human talent. Seedance 2.0 ignores laws, ethics, industry norms, and consent principles. Developing AI responsibly requires accountability, which is lacking here.”