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

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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A Love Letter to Ahoy: The YouTube Channel That Captivates Through Style, Substance, and Storytelling

  • Writer: Paul Francis
    Paul Francis
  • Sep 10, 2024
  • 4 min read

As a huge fan of Ahoy, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like the unique art and video style that Stuart Brown presents on his channel. From the first time I watched one of his videos, I was captivated by the meticulous attention to detail, the clean and minimalist visuals, and the soothing cadence of his narration. Stuart Brown’s voice is in a league of its own—both informative and comforting, guiding viewers through complex histories and technical analyses with an ease that few can match.


Ahoy's logo by Stuart Brown

But What Is Ahoy?

Ahoy is a YouTube channel created by Stuart Brown, a master of video essays primarily focused on video games, gaming history, and the technology that powers them. The channel is renowned for its deep research, high production quality, and engaging storytelling. Each video is not just a presentation of facts but a carefully crafted narrative that ties together historical, cultural, and technical insights in a way that feels both educational and entertaining.


Stuart Brown himself is a bit of an enigma—a meticulous researcher, a talented storyteller, and a skilled visual artist. His work on Ahoy reflects his deep passion for gaming and technology, but it’s also clear that he has a broader interest in history and culture. Brown’s ability to connect these fields makes Ahoy’s content appeal not just to gamers but to anyone with an interest in media studies, history, or technology.


The target audience of Ahoy is diverse. While the core viewership undoubtedly consists of gamers and tech enthusiasts, the channel’s reach extends to historians, artists, and educators. Ahoy’s content is accessible to a wide range of viewers because it transcends the typical boundaries of gaming channels—each video is a piece of art, a historical document, and a narrative journey all rolled into one.


Unveiling the Gems: Ahoy’s Must-Watch Videos

With a catalogue of exceptional content, selecting the best Ahoy videos is a challenging task, but there are certain videos that stand out for their depth, creativity, and impact. Here are five of the most remarkable ones:


  • "The First Video Game" (2014):

    • This video dives into the origins of video games, exploring early contenders for the title of "first" video game. From "Tennis for Two" to "Spacewar!," Stuart Brown uncovers the roots of gaming with his signature blend of thorough research and engaging storytelling. It’s a fascinating exploration of how the medium began, and it raises thought-provoking questions about what truly constitutes a video game.



  • "A Brief History of Graphics" (2016):

    • A visual and historical journey, this video tracks the evolution of computer graphics from the earliest pixelated images to the stunning photorealism of today’s games. Brown’s ability to explain complex technical concepts in an accessible way makes this video a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of art and technology.




  • "The Story of Doom" (2017):

    • "Doom" is one of the most iconic first-person shooters ever made, and this video tells the story of its creation, impact, and enduring legacy. Brown delves into the cultural phenomenon that "Doom" became, offering insights into why it continues to be a touchstone in gaming history. The video is a perfect blend of technical analysis and cultural commentary.




  • "Polybius: The Game That Doesn't Exist" (2017):

    • One of Ahoy’s most popular and talked-about videos, this documentary explores the urban legend of "Polybius," a mysterious arcade game rumoured to cause psychological effects in players. Brown’s investigation into the myth is masterful, blending history, speculation, and eerie storytelling in a way that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.




Community Favorite: "Iconic Arms: The AK-47" (2015)

No discussion of Ahoy would be complete without mentioning the "Iconic Arms" series, and the video on the AK-47 is a standout. In this video, Brown explores the history of the AK-47, its cultural significance, and its representation in video games. It’s a fascinating look at how a single piece of military hardware became an icon, both in the real world and in the digital realms of gaming. The video is a community favourite for its in-depth analysis and the way it ties together historical and cultural threads.




The Four-Byte Burger: A Symbol of Digital Ingenuity

One of the more unusual but deeply fascinating topics covered by Ahoy is the "Four-Byte Burger," which Stuart Brown discusses in his video "A Brief History of Graphics." The "Four-Byte Burger" is an early piece of computer art, representing a hamburger created using only 4 bytes of data—just 32 bits.


When this artwork was created, computer memory and processing power were extremely limited. Despite these constraints, early digital artists and programmers managed to create recognizable images like the "Four-Byte Burger." This piece of art is not just a quirky footnote in the history of computer graphics but also a testament to the ingenuity of early digital pioneers. It’s a symbol of how creativity can flourish even within the strictest of limitations and a reminder of the humble beginnings from which modern digital art has evolved.




Why Ahoy Deserves Your Attention

Ahoy Logo by Stuart Brown

Ahoy is not just a YouTube channel—it’s a masterclass in how to create compelling, informative, and visually stunning content. Stuart Brown’s unique approach to video essays makes each upload a treat for anyone interested in video games, history, or technology. Whether you’re drawn in by the minimalist art style, the meticulously researched content, or Brown’s soothing narration, there’s something in Ahoy’s catalogue for everyone. For those of us who are fans, Ahoy is more than just a source of entertainment—it’s a source of inspiration, education, and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of gaming history.


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