AI Video, Copyright, and the Turning Point No One Wanted to Talk About

19 February 2026

Paul Francis

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For years, artificial intelligence has been quietly absorbing the creative world.

Illustrators watched as models produced images in their style. Writers saw language models trained on books they never licensed. Voice actors heard digital replicas of their tone and cadence. Photographers discovered fragments of their work embedded in datasets they never consented to join.

Close-up of a person in a red and black spider-themed suit against a dark background, showing a spider emblem on the chest. — Photo by Hector Reyes on Unsplash

The arguments were loud, emotional and often messy. Creators warned that their intellectual property was being harvested without permission. AI companies insisted that training data fell within legal grey areas. Lawsuits were filed. Statements were issued. Panels were held.

But systemic change moved slowly.

Then Spider-Man appeared.

Not in a cinema release or on a Disney+ platform, but inside a viral AI-generated video created using ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0. Within days of its release, social feeds were filled with highly realistic clips showing Marvel and Star Wars characters in scenarios that looked convincingly cinematic. Lightsabers clashed. Superheroes fought across recognisable cityscapes.

And this time, the response was immediate.

Disney sent a cease-and-desist letter accusing ByteDance of effectively conducting a “virtual smash-and-grab” of its intellectual property. Other studios followed. Industry bodies demanded the platform halt what they described as infringing activity. Even the Japanese government opened an investigation after AI-generated anime characters began circulating online.

ByteDance quickly pledged to strengthen safeguards.

The speed of that reaction stands in sharp contrast to the drawn-out battles fought by independent creatives over the last several years. And that contrast raises a difficult but necessary question: why does meaningful pressure seem to materialise only when billion-dollar franchises are involved?

The Uneven Battlefield of Copyright and AI

The legal tension around generative AI has always centred on training data. Most AI systems are built on enormous datasets scraped from publicly available material. Whether that constitutes fair use or copyright infringement remains one of the most contested questions in modern technology law.

When the alleged victims were individual artists or mid-tier studios, the debate felt theoretical. There were court filings and opinion pieces, but not immediate operational shifts from the tech giants.

Now the optics are different.

Seedance is not accused of vaguely echoing an artistic style. It is accused of generating recognisable characters owned by one of the most powerful entertainment companies in the world. Spider-Man is not an aesthetic. He is a legally fortified intellectual property asset supported by decades of licensing agreements, contractual protections and global brand enforcement.

That changes the power dynamic instantly.

Where independent creators struggled to compel transparency around training datasets, Disney commands it. Where freelance illustrators waited months for platform responses, multinational studios can demand immediate action.

The issue itself has not changed. The scale of the stakeholder has.

What This Means for AI Video

AI video is still in its infancy compared to image generation, but the implications of this dispute could accelerate its regulation dramatically.

If platforms are found to be generating content too closely resembling copyrighted franchises, expect tighter content controls. Prompt filtering will become more aggressive. Character names will be blocked. Visual similarity detection tools may be deployed to prevent outputs that mirror protected designs.

In short, the open playground phase of AI video may end sooner than expected.

There is also another path emerging: licensing.

Disney’s existing billion-dollar partnership with OpenAI signals a model where AI tools are not eliminated but contained within approved ecosystems. Rather than preventing AI from generating Marvel characters altogether, studios may instead seek to monetise that capability under strict agreements.

That would create a bifurcated future for AI video. Corporate-approved generative systems operating inside licensing frameworks on one side, and heavily restricted public tools on the other.

Independent creators could once again find themselves navigating a more tightly controlled environment shaped by corporate negotiation rather than broad creative consensus.

The Transparency Question

One of the most significant unknowns in this entire situation is training data.

ByteDance has not disclosed what Seedance was trained on. That silence is not unusual in the industry. Most generative AI companies treat training datasets as proprietary assets.

But as legal pressure increases, so too does the demand for transparency. If studios begin demanding to know whether their content was scraped, regulators may soon follow.

For years, artists have asked for opt-in systems, compensation structures and dataset audits. If this moment forces platforms to adopt more transparent practices, it may indirectly validate those earlier demands.

It would be a bitter irony if the turning point for creator protection comes only once global media conglomerates feel threatened.

A Defining Moment for AI and Creativity

There is something symbolic about this dispute.

AI innovation has been framed as disruptive, democratising and unstoppable. Copyright law, by contrast, is territorial, slow-moving and rooted in decades-old legal frameworks. For a time, it appeared that generative AI might simply outpace enforcement.

But intellectual property remains one of the strongest legal shields in modern commerce. When AI tools move from stylistic imitation to recognisable franchise replication, the shield activates quickly.

This is not necessarily an anti-AI moment. It may instead be a recalibration.

The creative economy depends on ownership, licensing and consent. AI systems that ignore those principles are unlikely to survive prolonged legal scrutiny. The question is whether reform will apply evenly across the creative landscape or remain reactive to whoever has the loudest legal voice.

If the Seedance dispute leads to clearer boundaries, transparent datasets and fairer licensing models for all creators, it could mark a maturation phase for AI video.

If it simply results in selective enforcement that protects corporate assets while leaving independent creators in grey areas, the imbalance will persist.

For now, one thing is certain.

AI video has crossed from experimental novelty into serious legal territory.

And it took a superhero to force the conversation into the open.

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Embracing Tradition: Lessons from the Luddites in a Tech-Driven World

Paul Francis
Apr 15, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Apr 17, 2024

An AI generated Luddite looking at a mobile phone

In the exploration of the Luddite movement, it's crucial to address a common misconception prevalent in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. Many believe that the rise of new innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI), will swiftly render traditional practices and services obsolete, leaving numerous job roles redundant. However, as we navigate the digital age, it becomes increasingly evident that these age-old practices possess a resilience that defies obsolescence. From the enduring presence of the humble landline telephone to the indispensable role of the trusty postal service, these stalwart pillars of yesteryear stand firm amidst the relentless march of progress.

The United Kingdom, with its rich tapestry of tradition and innovation, provides an ideal setting to delve into this phenomenon. Within the bustling streets of London and the idyllic villages of the countryside, we witness the coexistence of old and new—a testament to the enduring value of heritage in a rapidly changing world.

Embarking on this journey through history, we will unravel the reasons why certain relics of the past persist, despite the technological upheaval and fears of job displacement attributed to automation and AI.

The Luddites: Lessons from History

Amidst the clamour of technological progress, it's worth pausing to reflect on the lessons imparted by the Luddite movement of the early 19th century. The Luddites, a group of textile workers in England, found themselves at odds with the rapid industrialization of their time, particularly the introduction of automated weaving machinery.

Driven by fears of unemployment, declining wages, and the erosion of their craft skills, the Luddites resorted to acts of sabotage and vandalism to protest the encroachment of machinery on their livelihoods. Their resistance, though ultimately quelled by government repression, raises important questions about the human cost of progress and the ethical implications of technological change.

The Luddites' plight serves as a cautionary tale about the need for a nuanced approach to technological innovation. While advancements in automation and machinery have undoubtedly brought about economic prosperity and efficiency, they have also resulted in profound social and economic disruptions. The Luddites' resistance underscores the importance of considering the broader implications of technological change, including its impact on jobs, communities, and individual livelihoods.

In today's world, where discussions about automation, artificial intelligence, and digital disruption abound, the legacy of the Luddites resonates with renewed relevance. It reminds us that technological progress must be accompanied by thoughtful consideration of its social and ethical ramifications. By heeding the lessons of history, we can strive for a future where innovation is balanced with compassion, equity, and respect for human dignity.

AI generated Luddite smashing modern technology.

The Telly: More Than Just Box Sets

Television, affectionately known as the "telly" in British parlance, has been a staple of living rooms across the nation for generations. With the advent of streaming services and on-demand content, pundits were quick to herald the demise of traditional broadcast television. Yet, the telly remains a steadfast companion, offering a curated selection of live events, local news, and timeless classics.

From tuning in to the BBC for the latest updates on the weather to gathering around for the annual Christmas broadcast of the Queen's Speech, television embodies the communal spirit of British culture. While streaming may offer convenience and choice, there's something inherently British about the shared experience of watching "EastEnders" or cheering on England during the World Cup.

Royal Mail: Delivering Connections Across the Nation

In an era dominated by emails and instant messaging, the venerable postal service, affectionately known as Royal Mail in the UK, continues to ply its trade with unwavering diligence. Predictions of its demise in the face of digital communication have proven premature, as letterboxes up and down the country still receive a steady stream of letters, parcels, and postcards.

Royal Mail's enduring relevance lies in its ability to transcend mere logistics and deliver a sense of connection in an increasingly digital world. Whether it's receiving a handwritten letter from a loved one or eagerly awaiting the arrival of a birthday gift, the postal service serves as a tangible link between individuals, communities, and generations.

Printed Books: Tales That Transcend Technology

In an age of e-readers and audiobooks, the allure of printed books endures, weaving a narrative that transcends the digital realm. From the hallowed halls of libraries to the quaint bookshops of Bloomsbury, the tactile experience of turning the pages of a well-loved novel holds a special place in the hearts of bibliophiles across the UK.

Printed books offer more than just words on a page; they are repositories of knowledge, imagination, and culture. Whether it's thumbing through the yellowed pages of a vintage classic or admiring the intricate illustrations of a children's picture book, the printed word continues to captivate readers young and old alike.

Landline Telephones: Ringing True in a Digital World

In an era of smartphones and instant connectivity, the humble landline telephone remains a fixture in British households, steadfastly ringing true in the face of technological upheaval. While mobile devices offer mobility and versatility, landline telephones embody reliability and familiarity, serving as a lifeline in times of need.

From catching up with friends over a cuppa to dialling for emergency services in times of crisis, the landline telephone plays an indispensable role in everyday life. Its distinctive ringtone evokes a sense of nostalgia, harking back to simpler times when conversations flowed freely and connections were made with the press of a button.

Honouring Tradition in a Digital Age

As we reflect on the enduring legacy of these time-honoured institutions, it becomes clear that the old ways are far from obsolete. In a world enamoured with the allure of innovation, it's important to recognise the intrinsic value of tradition and heritage.

From the flickering glow of the telly to the reassuring clatter of the letterbox, these symbols of bygone eras remind us of the enduring power of human connection. In the UK, where tradition and innovation converge, the old ways continue to thrive, enriching our lives with a sense of continuity and belonging.

As we delve into the history of the Luddites, we uncover additional insights into the resilience of tradition amidst technological advancement. Their resistance serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in navigating the intersection of progress and preservation.

So, the next time you reach for your smartphone or fire up your streaming service, take a moment to appreciate the timeless allure of the past. For in the convergence of old and new lies the true essence of British resilience – a celebration of tradition in a digital age.

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