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Japan arrests 15-year-old student who allegedly used ChatGPT to cancel 46,812 anime subscriptions
Simran Rehani / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jul 08, 2026, 17:08 IST
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A teenage computer enthusiast in Japan has been arrested over a cyberattack that disrupted an anime streaming service and led to tens of thousands of subscription cancellations. As reported Japanese News channel Mainichi, police allege that the 15-year-old student from Saitama Prefecture used a program he developed himself to interfere with the systems of Bandai Channel, a streaming platform operated by Bandai Namco Filmworks. The incident, which took place late last year, affected thousands of users and forced the company to investigate and repair its systems. The case has drawn attention because of the student’s age and his claim that he built the tool with help from a generative artificial intelligence chatbot.
Japanese student arrested after using ChatGPT to hack anime streaming service
The teenager was arrested on Saturday over allegations that he carried out an unauthorised attack against Bandai Channel, a service that offers anime content to viewers in Japan.Reportedly, according to investigators, the student allegedly sent manipulated data to the company’s servers on November 4 between around 5 pm and 8:45 pm. The activity reportedly caused 46,812 subscription accounts to be cancelled without users requesting the changes.The disruption affected parts of the company’s operations. Bandai Channel did not immediately return to normal service, with repairs and system recovery work continuing until December. The company later approached police after identifying the incident as a possible cybercrime.
Teen allegedly exploited a system flaw to access user data and accounts
Investigators believe the teenager may have found a vulnerability within the streaming service’s systems and used it to gain access to account-related information.Police allege that before the large-scale disruption, the student had also accessed Bandai Channel using login details linked to 15 users. Authorities believe those account details were obtained through improper means. The student had previously been arrested on June over allegations related to unauthorised access. That case was later put on hold while further investigation continued.
Teenager admits cyber skills and use of AI-assisted program
During questioning, the student reportedly acknowledged the allegations. He told investigators that he had been interested in computers from a young age and began using them in the fourth grade. He said he had taught himself programming and other computer skills over the years.The teenager also said he had no personal grudge against the company and claimed that he acted after finding he could access the information.Police say the program involved in the incident was created with assistance from ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence chatbot. The case is one of several recent examples in which authorities are examining how easily available AI tools can be used during cyber incidents.
Investigation continues into the extent of the damage
Authorities are continuing to examine how the attack was carried out, including the methods used to access the system and the full extent of information that may have been exposed.Bandai Namco Filmworks, the operator behind Bandai Channel, has not indicated that the incident caused permanent damage to its service, but the company’s recovery process highlighted the impact even a short disruption can have on a large digital platform.The case remains under investigation, with police expected to look further into the student’s technical methods and whether anyone else was involved.Get the latest technology news and updates. Download the TOI App.
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