ByteDance and the Motion Picture Association have signed a global agreement to strengthen copyright safeguards on the Chinese company's AI video and image-generation tools, covering models that power features across TikTok, CapCut and Dreamina.
Announced on 18 August 2026 in Madrid, the deal imposes restrictions on ByteDance's Seedance video and Seedream image models to prevent unauthorized use of copyrighted content. The MPA, which represents studios including Disney, Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment, had sent a cease-and-desist letter in February after studios raised concerns that the tools could generate content featuring protected characters and celebrity likenesses.
MPA chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said the agreement demonstrates the conviction that copyright is a cornerstone of the film and television industry.