Dreamworks Animation has taken an unprecedented and forthright stance against the burgeoning use of artificial intelligence in content creation, explicitly embedding a clear warning within the end credits of its highly anticipated sequel, “The Bad Guys 2.” This move signals a significant moment for intellectual property rights within the ever-evolving movie industry, setting a potential precedent for future productions.
The animated feature, directed by Pierre Perifel, includes a blunt message asserting, “All rights in this work are reserved for purposes of laws in all jurisdictions pertaining to data mining or AI training, including but not limited to Article 4(3) of Directive (EU) 2019/790. This work may not be used to train AI.” This direct declaration leaves no ambiguity regarding the studio’s position on unauthorized AI training using its copyrighted material.
While “The Bad Guys 2” has already premiered in the United Kingdom to positive reviews, its United States release is slated for Friday, August 1st. The explicit end-credit message gained widespread attention after a user identified as ‘Caleb Jones’ shared images of the credit sequence on X (formerly Twitter), quickly sparking discussions across social media platforms about content ownership and AI ethics.
Jones, among others, lauded Dreamworks for this assertive action, quoting the credits as a defiant “Screw AI. Try stealing our work! It’ll be a crime to your artless ass.” This bold language underscores the studio’s commitment to protecting its creative assets and serves as a public challenge to those who might consider illicitly using their content for generative AI training datasets.
The inclusion of specific legal references, such as Article 4(3) of Directive (EU) 2019/790, indicates a well-considered strategy to establish a robust legal foundation. This allows Dreamworks Animation to pursue legal action against any entities that attempt to replicate or derive content from “The Bad Guys 2” through AI, reinforcing their copyright protection and safeguarding their artistic integrity in the digital age.
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a prominent and sometimes controversial aspect of the cinema industry, Dreamworks’ pioneering decision is seen by many as a vital step. It highlights the growing concern among creators and studios regarding the unauthorized use of their work for AI development, advocating for artists’ rights against potential infringement.
“The Bad Guys 2” has garnered phenomenal critical acclaim since its UK debut on July 25, currently holding a satisfactory score of 87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The success of the film, coupled with its firm anti-AI stance, positions Dreamworks not only as a purveyor of engaging animated stories but also as a champion for ethical practices and intellectual property protection within the global entertainment landscape.
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