In today’s digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being widely used, but not always for the right reasons. While AI has its benefits, it is also being exploited for harmful purposes, especially in creating deepfake images and videos.

According to a recent report, Japan has emerged as one of the leading countries where people misuse AI for unethical activities. A shocking 18 million visits to AI-powered deepfake websites were recorded in Japan within a year, making it the third-largest country after the United States and India for such activities.

These websites allow users to create fake and explicit images and videos, often by altering people’s faces and bodies. The results are shared on social media, causing significant harm. Experts warn that this misuse of AI technology could have dangerous consequences, from privacy violations to cyberbullying.

Professor Achiro Sato from the National Institute of Informatics called for stronger laws and better information to regulate AI’s harmful use. In a recent survey, 41 websites offering such services were identified, with Japan accounting for nearly 410,000 monthly visits, the majority from smartphones.