Concern high over use of AI in crimes

The Yomiuri Shimbun’s recent nationwide survey revealed a high level of awareness of the danger of misuse of generative artificial intelligence for crimes and manipulation of public opinion through disinformation.

When people were asked to select multiple responses from a list of nine concerns about the use and spread of generative AI, the top concern was “criminal misuse,” chosen by 65% overall. Crime was the top concern of each age group, selected by 66% of those aged 18-39, 68% of those aged 40-59, and 63% of those 60 and over.

Concern about the criminal misuse of AI was not limited to those with a generally negative view of generative AI, but was also prevalent among those who are positive about it. Of the 40% who said they have “greater expectations” than concerns about the spread of generative AI, 63% chose “criminal misuse” as something they are worried about. This was not much lower than the 69% who chose “criminal misuse” among the 58% of all respondents who said they had “greater concerns” than expectations.

Even among the 52% of all respondents who said they had “never” believed false information circulating on the internet or other media, 65% were concerned about the criminal misuse of AI.

A similar trend was seen over concern about manipulation of public opinion, with 79% of those who said they had “greater expectations” for the spread of generative AI saying they are concerned about public opinion being manipulated. Among the 21% of respondents who said “development of AI should be emphasized over regulation” or had no strong view either way, 76% said they “feel” anxiety about the manipulation of public opinion.

Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, a professor of constitutional law at Keio University, said: “It is difficult to discern false information that misuses AI, and the survey results show widespread concern about the collapse of democracy and criminal damage. Transparency as to whether or not information is created by generative AI is not mandated in Japan, and the Diet needs to quickly discuss legislation to prevent the risk.”