TikTok Owner ByteDance Agrees To Restrict IP Use In Deepfakes

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) and TikTok owner ByteDance have reached an agreement to implement guardrails around the use of studio intellectual property in AI video and images. This agreement applies to image models provided by TikTok, the TikTok USDS Joint Venture, CapCut, and Dreamina.

The agreement follows a cease and desist letter sent by the MPA to ByteDance over its use of IP in certain AI tools, including Seedream 5.0 Lite and Seedance 2.0. An AI-generated video of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fighting on a rooftop had prompted the MPA to warn of 'infringing activity' regarding copyright laws.

MPA Chairman Charles Rivkin said the agreement reflects the shared determination to continue work together to further fortify guardrails on Seedance and Seedream. Recent launches of Seedream 5.0 Pro and Seedance 2.5 have shown ByteDance’s “continued advances in IP protections.”

John Rogovin, General Counsel for ByteDance, said the Memorandum of Understanding establishes an important framework for continued collaboration as the technology evolves. ByteDance respects the intellectual property rights that underpin creative industries around the world.

## Why it matters The agreement is significant as it sets a precedent for the use of intellectual property in AI-generated content. The MPA and ByteDance have demonstrated a commitment to protecting creative content and respecting intellectual property rights. This collaboration will help to establish guidelines for the use of AI in the entertainment industry, ensuring that creators' rights are protected while still allowing for innovation and creativity.

The stakes are high, as the use of AI-generated content continues to grow in popularity. If left unregulated, it could lead to widespread copyright infringement and undermine the creative industries. The agreement between the MPA and ByteDance is a step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that the use of AI in entertainment is both innovative and responsible.