TOKYO – A 25-year-old man was found guilty on Oct 25 of creating a computer virus through the use of interactive generative artificial intelligence.

       He was given a three-year prison sentence, which will be suspended for four years.

       The Tokyo District Court convicted Ryuki Hayashi of making illegal digital records.

       Prosecutors had sought a four-year prison sentence.

       It is likely the first time in Japan that a person was found guilty in a criminal case for abusing generative AI.

       According to the ruling and other sources, Hayashi made the ransomware-like virus at his home in Kawasaki using his computer and smartphones around March 31, 2023.

       He made the virus based on illegal computer program source codes, which he obtained through the use of interactive generative AI.

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       He also allegedly purchased SIM cards under names of other people. THE JAPAN NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK