Indie publisher says TikTok used AI to create offensive ads with its characters

Finji, the publisher behind Night in the Woods and Tunic, says TikTok has been running offensive ads that use the studio’s characters and art without consent, with the images “enhanced” by generative AI. CEO Rebekah Saltsman drew attention to the issue in a February 5 Bluesky post and asked followers to send screencaps of any ads that looked “UN-Finji-like.” Finji says it does run ads on TikTok but those creatives do not use generative AI.

Fans supplied screenshots showing altered versions of Finji’s ads, and one example appears to transform the lead character of the studio’s upcoming game, a Black woman, into a sexualized, racist caricature. TikTok Ads Support initially told Finji it saw no indication that AI-generated assets were being used, but when shown screenshots the company said it was no longer disputing whether the alterations occurred and that Finji would be put in contact with a senior representative.

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