AI's Dark Side: Exploring Fake Video Creation

Jun 18, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The intense competition in generative AI technology raises concerns over misuse, such as the creation of fake videos. We explored this issue through AI video creation.

On June 17, a new PC model launch event was held in Tokyo, featuring the new ‘Copilot+PC’. This new model is equipped with AI, enhancing its processing capability up to 20 times compared to previous models. IT journalist Yo Mikami highlights the significance of this development, stating, ‘Until now, generative AI was hosted on servers, typically in the U.S. The shift is to bring AI directly to user devices.’

Mikami compares this innovation to having a personal assistant akin to Doraemon working solely for Nobita. Essentially, the AI operates independently on each user's device without needing an internet connection.

AI can now remember past user interactions on the computer and suggest related content accordingly. Additionally, it can complete drawings for users. ‘Even someone like me, who struggles with drawing, can create beautiful images,’ says newscaster Mirai Kaito, showcasing a picturesque sunset scene generated by the AI.

Moreover, when reading news scripts, the AI helps maintain a consistent forward-facing appearance, even if the reader's eyes move sideways.

Yohei Takeuchi, Executive Officer at Microsoft Japan, explains, ‘AI understands your environment and anticipates your needs, significantly improving work efficiency.’

While the AI technology race in the U.S. IT industry is intense, there are concerns about its potential misuse. To investigate this, newscaster Makoto Yamanaka sought assistance from Shinya Yamahara, CEO of AI Reskill, a company that supports AI video creation.

‘When speaking, consciously closing your mouth between sentences can greatly enhance the video quality,’ advises Yamahara.

Yamanaka recorded an ordinary introduction video, which was uploaded to the company’s server. This process requires verification to ensure that the person operating the screen matches the video content. This step is crucial to prevent fraud and unauthorized statements by AI avatars impersonating public figures.

In a specially crafted ‘misuse example’, Yamanaka's AI avatar delivers an unexpected message to fellow newscaster Naoya Kawata: ‘Kawata! You vented quite a bit the last time we went out for drinks. If you're feeling overwhelmed, I, AI Yamanaka, can always take over the show!’

Source: MBS

Typhoons No. 28 and 29 Bring High Waves to Japan's Pacific Coast

Two typhoons moving across the Pacific southeast of Japan are expected to remain well away from the Japanese mainland, but powerful swells could bring rough seas to a wide stretch of the country's Pacific coastline throughout the three-day holiday weekend, according to forecasts updated at 3 a.m. on October 10.

Cyberattacks Spread Across Japan

A series of cyberattacks has disrupted business operations and exposed millions of customer records across Japan, with a ransomware attack on a cloud service provider affecting 495 companies and local governments nationwide, while convenience store operator Lawson has disclosed a separate breach involving more than 2.15 million personal information records.

Japan's First 360-Degree Projection Mapping Opens in Osaka

Japan's first 360-degree projection mapping show will open at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts on October 10, transforming the historic building into an immersive world of light, music, and seasonal imagery, with organizers hoping the attraction will also help stimulate the city's nighttime economy.

Tokyo University Professor Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Tokyo University of Science professor emeritus Kenzo Soai has been awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry together with French chemist Henri B. Kagan for discoveries that transformed scientists' understanding of how chemical reactions can favor one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule.

US Military Halts All Okinawa Operations for 48 Hours

The US military suspended activities by all forces stationed in Okinawa for 48 hours from noon on October 7, an unusual measure following the arrest of a US Marine in connection with a robbery and murder case that has renewed scrutiny of crimes involving American service members.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Tokyo Seniors Learn How to Use AI

Tokyo hosted an employment support event for older workers on October 6, offering job consultations, interviews, hands-on work experience and training in artificial intelligence as the number of people aged 65 and over in the workforce continues to rise.

Hackers Warn Japan Has One of World's Worst Cybersecurity Systems

The ransomware group Qilin, accused of carrying out repeated cyberattacks against companies including Asahi Group Holdings, has warned that attacks targeting Japanese companies and government agencies could increase after a suspected core member was detained in Osaka and extradited to Germany.

Kawasaki Heavy Unveils Next-Generation AI Robot for Shipbuilding

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has unveiled a prototype next-generation shipbuilding robot that can climb vertically along ship hulls, part of an effort to use physical AI to address labor shortages and preserve skilled manufacturing techniques.

Panasonic Bets on AI as Data Centers Become New Growth Engine

Panasonic Holdings is pushing ahead with one of the most sweeping restructurings in its 108-year history, cutting about 12,000 jobs, selling major businesses and reorganizing operations as the Japanese electronics group seeks to build new sources of growth around artificial intelligence, data centers and recurring service revenue.

Tokyo Court Recognizes Voice Rights in Landmark AI Ruling

A Tokyo court has recognized the commercial rights of performers over their voices for the first time, ruling that unauthorized use of AI-generated voices resembling those of celebrities can constitute an infringement of publicity rights in a landmark lawsuit brought by popular voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda against the operator of TikTok.