SAG-AFTRA criticizes blatant infringement in Seedance AI videos
SAG-AFTRA has expressed strong disapproval of ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, for launching a new video model that has led to widespread copyright violations online. The union president, Sean Astin, is among those whose images have been manipulated in videos created by the Seedance 2.0 model. In one video, he is depicted as Samwise Gamgee from “The Lord of the Rings,” suggesting to Frodo that they use the Eagles to reach Mount Doom.
The union has labeled the Seedance videos, which feature fabricated scenarios like Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting on a rooftop, as “blatant infringement.” SAG-AFTRA has condemned this activity as unacceptable due to the unauthorized use of members’ voices and likenesses. This infringement is detrimental to the livelihoods of human talent, as it undermines their ability to earn a living. The Union stresses the importance of respecting the law, ethics, industry standards, and the fundamental concept of consent. The development of AI technology must be conducted responsibly, but in this case, responsibility is lacking.
Disney has taken action against ByteDance by sending a cease and desist letter to the company’s general counsel, John Rogovin. The letter, reported by Axios and confirmed by Variety, accuses ByteDance of providing access to a collection of pirated Disney characters from franchises like Star Wars and Marvel without authorization. This move indicates the severity of the situation and the commitment of major studios and unions to protecting intellectual property rights.
Other studios and industry players have joined the condemnation of ByteDance. It is clear that such unauthorized use of copyrighted content not only violates the law but also threatens the livelihoods and creative expression of individuals in the entertainment industry. The exploitation of actors’ images and voices without their consent is a significant issue that highlights the need for stringent regulations and ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI technologies like Seedance 2.0.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding intellectual property rights and respecting the work of artists and performers. It also raises questions about the potential risks and ethical implications of advanced AI models that can manipulate media and create convincing visual and audio content. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to establish safeguards and protocols to prevent the unauthorized use of individuals’ likenesses and voices in digital media. Responsible AI development and usage are essential to protect the rights and interests of creators and performers in the entertainment industry.