Japan: Man to Be Indicted for Copying AI-Generated Image Made by Another Person!

INSANE! UNBELIEVABLE! UNPRECEDENTED! Japan has once again brought us a very curious case! Japanese police have decided that AI-generated images are considered works of authorship when there is significant creative participation from the user, and therefore they intend to indict a man accused of copying without permission an AI-generated image created by someone else.

Japan: Man to Be Indicted for Copying AI-Generated Image Made by Another Person!

The investigation is considered unprecedented nationwide. According to information released by the Chiba Prefectural Police, the original creator of the image used a significant number of trial attempts, detailed adjustments, and specific instructions until reaching the final result, and for investigators, this demonstrates that there was enough human creative expression for the image to be protected as a copyrighted work.

Authorities stated that they analyzed factors such as the precision of the instructions, the creator’s intent, the number of tests carried out, and the level of control over the final output. The more specific the command given to the AI, the higher the likelihood that the image reflects the creativity of the person who generated it.

Copyright experts in Japan reinforce this perspective. They explain that when a user gives only vague commands, the result depends heavily on randomness and can hardly be considered the product of human creation. On the other hand, when the process involves constant adjustments, deliberate choices, and detailed instructions, the element of authorship becomes recognizable.

The case has drawn attention because it may serve as a reference for future decisions involving visual art produced with AI. If the investigated conduct indeed results in an indictment, it could set a precedent for AI users to be held legally responsible for copying or reusing works generated by others without permission.