AI deepfake sexual images of Japanese actresses created and sold
A 31-year-old employee in Japan was arrested for creating and selling AI-generated deepfake sexual images of over 260 female entertainers. Using free image generation software, he earned approximately 1.2 million yen by distributing the synthetic images online.
What happened
A 31-year-old company employee from Akita was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of creating and distributing sexually obscene images of more than 260 female entertainers using generative AI software. The suspect used free AI image generation software to train a model on real actresses' images, then generated thousands of images using specific text prompts, and published them online.
The suspect earned approximately 1.2 million yen by selling access to the images. According to investigators, he had no formal training in ICT or AI and learned how to use the technology from articles and videos online. He stated he began the activity as a side business after seeing similar images being monetized online, and continued because viewer reactions and popularity generated significant revenue.
Reported impact
More than 260 female entertainers were targeted by the synthetic sexual images created and distributed online without consent. The ease and low cost of the technology has led to expanding harm from similar incidents.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.