SAG-AFTRA Condemns ByteDance Seedance AI for Using Member Likenesses Without Authorization
SAG-AFTRA condemned ByteDance's AI video model Seedance 2.0 for generating videos using member voices and likenesses without authorization, naming Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt among those affected. The union called it blatant infringement that undercuts the ability of human talent to earn a livelihood. ByteDance has not responded.
Why it matters
This is exactly the kind of case agents should cite when building likeness protection language into client contracts now. If a model trained on your client's likeness can generate near-identical video, the value of exclusivity and usage rights has changed. Build AI likeness and voice clone protections into every new deal before the next incident happens to your roster.
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