AI's recent advancements have captured global attention, with an increasing number of people experimenting with this emerging technology for tasks like image generation, video production, intelligent dialogue, and document processing. However, these innovations have also sparked numerous controversies.
Yet, some individuals have exploited this technology for commercial gain. Yesterday (January 23), Nippon TV reported that two men were referred to prosecutors on suspicion of copyright infringement. They allegedly used generative AI to create obscene posters featuring female characters from anime series like "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and sold them without authorization.
According to police investigations, the two men are a 36-year-old company employee residing in Yokohama City and a 40-year-old self-employed individual from Shiga Prefecture. They are accused of using generative AI last year to create erotic images of female characters from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" theatrical films, "Yu-Gi-Oh!", and various other ACG (Anime, Comics, Games) titles, subsequently producing and selling them as unauthorized posters.
Police stated that the two individuals created these erotic posters using generative AI and sold them on online auction platforms. Law enforcement discovered these sales records through online patrols and subsequently identified the suspects.
It is estimated that the Yokohama man profited over 10 million yen through these illegal activities between May 2023 and March of last year, while the Shiga man earned approximately 5.7 million yen from July 2023 to April of last year. Both individuals have confessed to the crimes, stating they did it to "cover living expenses" and were surprised by the unexpected popularity, which led them to continue as a side hustle to supplement their income.
Following the news, many Japanese netizens commented that malicious individuals engaging in similar activities are now prevalent, with AI-generated images being used for profit across various auction sites, fan-made creations, and even e-commerce platforms. There's a strong call for police to rigorously investigate and prosecute these rampant copyright infringers.
Naturally, as AI illustration becomes more widespread, some individuals are exploiting it as a tool for financial gain, particularly by leveraging well-known IPs to attract attention. The future evolution of AI and its societal impact remains a significant topic for contemplation.
via： 日本電視台