May 30, 2024 – A 25-year-old man from Kawasaki, Japan, has been arrested by Tokyo police for allegedly creating malware using free generative artificial intelligence tools available online, according to the Jiji Press.
The suspect, Ryuki Hayashi, has confessed to the charges, stating that he wanted to “make easy money” and believed that artificial intelligence was “omnipotent.” This case marks a rare instance where law enforcement has taken action against someone for utilizing generative AI technology to produce malware.
Police revealed that in March 2023, Hayashi issued commands to multiple AI platforms, concealing his intention to create a ransomware – a type of malicious software that encrypts data on a computer and demands ransom for decryption. However, authorities believe the malware did not cause any actual damage as Hayashi apparently failed to acquire the necessary programs to deploy it.
It’s worth noting that many generative AI service providers take measures to prevent users from creating malware or engaging in other criminal activities through their platforms. Hayashi, a former factory worker with no expertise in malware, reportedly learned how to query AI tools for information on creating malicious software through online tutorials.
His arrest came to light after he was previously apprehended in March for using a fake ID to obtain a mobile phone card under someone else’s name, which led police to suspect his involvement in creating malware.