ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Motion Picture Association (MPA) to enhance copyright protections for its AI video and image generation models on August 17-18, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
The agreement covers ByteDance’s AI models Seedance, which generates videos, and Seedream, which produces images. These models are used across platforms including TikTok, CapCut, and Dreamina [1, 2, 3].
The deal follows a cease-and-desist letter issued by the MPA in February 2026. The letter accused ByteDance’s AI models of unauthorized use of copyrighted material, including potentially protected film characters and celebrity likenesses without permission [1, 2, 3]. This raised concerns from Hollywood studios that are members of the MPA, including Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery [2, 3].
In response to the MPA’s warning, ByteDance updated its AI technology with stronger intellectual property safeguards and reportedly suspended the global rollout of Seedance 2.0 to address copyright concerns [1, 2, 3]. The memorandum details a framework for ongoing cooperation between ByteDance and the MPA to protect copyrighted content as AI technology evolves [1, 2, 3].
Charles Rivkin, CEO and chair of the MPA, said the agreement "represents significant cooperation between the two organizations" and that "meaningful guardrails have been implemented with ByteDance’s AI models after constructive engagement" [2].
The MPA and ByteDance now plan to work together to prevent further copyright infringement issues related to AI-generated content, as enforcement challenges continue with rapidly advancing technology [1, 2, 3].
