Disney Forces Google to Remove AI-Generated Character Videos From YouTube

Google is tightening controls on AI-generated videos using Disney characters on YouTube after receiving a legal warning from Disney, signaling a sharper stance on copyrighted content tied to generative tools.

According to reports from the source, YouTube removed dozens of videos by Friday. These clips featured characters like Deadpool, Moana, Mickey Mouse, and several Star Wars figures. The removals came days after Disney sent a cease and desist letter accusing Google of large-scale copyright infringement.

The letter, reviewed earlier this week by both publications, went beyond video hosting concerns. Disney also accused Google of using copyrighted material to train AI models, including Veo and Nano Banana. This claim adds pressure on Google as scrutiny around AI training data continues to grow.

Disney has already taken action against other AI platforms. It previously targeted Character.AI and is currently suing Hailuo and Midjourney over similar copyright issues. Still, Disney is not rejecting AI outright.

On Friday, the company announced a partnership with OpenAI. The deal will bring Disney characters to Sora and ChatGPT. It will also introduce AI-generated short content from Sora to Disney+, marking a selective but strategic embrace of generative technology.