Overview
- Sony demanded ByteDance halt the feature and install robust copyright filters, joining Disney, Paramount, Netflix and Warner Bros in cease-and-desist letters.
- ByteDance said it will add character-blocking filters and tighter monitoring, yet studios say infringing Seedance videos spread widely within days of launch.
- Warner Bros’ legal chief alleged Seedance was pre-loaded with its copyrighted characters, calling the design a deliberate choice enabling infringement.
- A viral, hyper-real clip depicting Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise intensified likeness-rights concerns and drew criticism from SAG-AFTRA, the Motion Picture Association and CAA.
- Seedance is currently available in China via Jimeng with a wider rollout expected through CapCut, as policy watchers cite looming EU and US measures, India’s rapid takedown rule, and reports of heavy water use for high-fidelity video generation.