Netflix takes legal action against the owner of TikTok for the use of AI
Big companies are starting to get serious against AI

- February 18, 2026
- Updated: February 19, 2026 at 8:56 AM

Netflix has taken legal action against ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, by sending a cease and desist letter demanding the immediate halt of video generation using its intellectual property through artificial intelligence.
The controversy arises in the context of Seedance 2.0, a platform that generates videos based on characters and content from popular Netflix series, such as Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters, Squid Game, and Bridgerton.
Not everything goes with AI
In the letter, Netflix made it clear that it will not tolerate its intellectual property being treated as public domain art. The company argues that ByteDance is using its characters and narrative elements without authorization, which represents a violation of its copyright and intellectual property rights.
According to Netflix, these AI-generated videos not only threaten its original content but also confuse fans and can undermine the value and integrity of its franchises.
Netflix’s action comes at a time when the entertainment and technology industry is facing a growing debate over intellectual property rights in the digital age. As artificial intelligence becomes a common tool in content generation, concerns arise about how existing works are used and what legal implications these practices could have for content creators.
For its part, Netflix has emphasized that it will not stand idly by while ByteDance treats our valuable intellectual property as if it were free clip art in the public domain. The resolution of this matter will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent in regulating the use of AI in the creation of content that involves copyrighted works.
Journalist specialized in technology, entertainment and video games. Writing about what I'm passionate about (gadgets, games and movies) allows me to stay sane and wake up with a smile on my face when the alarm clock goes off. PS: this is not true 100% of the time.
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