A 25-year-old man in Japan has been arrested for allegedly creating a computer virus using generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems available online. This incident is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
Ryuki Hayashi, a resident of Kawasaki, was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of developing a virus through interactive generative AI technology. He reportedly utilized his home computer and smartphone to gather information on creating malware by instructing various AI systems in March 2023.
The virus created by Hayashi was designed to encrypt data on targeted systems and demand cryptocurrency as ransom. Fortunately, there have been no reported instances of damage caused by the virus.
During police questioning, Hayashi confessed to the allegations, stating that he aimed to make money through ransomware and believed he could achieve his goal by leveraging AI technology.
While platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT have implemented stricter measures to prevent outputs related to criminal activities, some interactive AI systems online continue to offer unrestricted information that could potentially be misused. Hayashi allegedly concealed his intentions while interacting with these AI systems to extract the necessary details for his malicious software.
Apart from the current charges, Hayashi was previously arrested in March on suspicion of fraud for unlawfully acquiring a smartphone SIM card. The police discovered the homemade virus on his computer and other related items during a search of his residence.
Authorities are now investigating the functions of the generative AI systems used by Hayashi, highlighting the potential risks associated with the misuse of such technology for criminal purposes. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible AI usage and the need for comprehensive safeguards to prevent unlawful activities in the digital realm.
