ByteDance signs AI copyright pact with Hollywood trade group - NBC News

Share Add to Google Aug. 17, 2026, 2:32 PM EDT / Source : Reuters By Reuters ByteDance and the Motion Picture Association on Monday signed an ​agreement to strengthen copyright safeguards ‌on the Chinese company’s AI video and image-generation models, months after the ​Hollywood trade group challenged its ​handling of intellectual property. The deal, which ⁠covers ByteDance’s Seedance video and ​Seedream image-generation models, follows a cease-and-desist ​letter the MPA sent in February over these tools. Disney and other studios in February ​ raised concerns the AI tools ​could generate content featuring copyrighted characters and celebrity ‌likenesses ⁠without authorization. ByteDance said newer versions of the models include stronger intellectual property protections. Models are offered through services ​including TikTok, ​CapCut ⁠and Dreamina. The MPA’s challenge came amid concerns that Seedance ​could generate content featuring copyrighted ​film ⁠and television characters without permission. Both sides said they will continue collaborating ⁠on ​safeguards for copyrighted ​content as AI technology evolves. Share Add to Google Reuters Reuters