'I Taught Myself Everything': Japan Teen Held For Using ChatGPT To Delete 46,000 Anime Accounts

Published 9 July 2026 · tech

'I Taught Myself Everything': Japan Teen Held For Using ChatGPT To Delete 46,000 Anime Accounts Published By, Last Updated: July 09, 2026, 09:09 IST Investigators

'I Taught Myself Everything': Japan Teen Held For Using ChatGPT To Delete 46,000 Anime Accounts Published By, Last Updated: July 09, 2026, 09:09 IST Investigators allege that the 15-year-old used ChatGPT to develop software to launch a cyberattack on member accounts linked to the streaming platform A 15-yerar-old boy in Japan was held for allegedly using ChatGPT to launch a cyberattack on a streaming platform's servers | Image for representation A 15-year-old student in Japan was arrested for allegedly using OpenAI’s ChatGPT to develop software that enabled an automated cyberattack on Bandai Namco Filmworks’ Bandai Channel streaming service, resulting in the cancellation of over 46,000 user accounts. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the teen –– who is a high school student –– is accused of carrying out fraudulent obstruction of business after allegedly taking advantage of a security-related flaw in the anime streaming platform in November 2025, the Straits Times reported.

Investigators allege that the suspect used ChatGPT –– an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot –– to develop software to launch a cyberattack on member accounts linked to the streaming platform. The action led to the disruption of operations, resulting in the cancellation of 46,812 subscriptions, said the report. The accused claimed he had created the source code for the withdrawal process. Realising that the processing was time-consuming, he directed ChatGPT to develop a different programming language. “I started using computers when I was in the fourth grade and taught myself everything I know. I happened to be able to access the information and had nothing against the company," he stated. Sent Fraudulent Commands, Disrupted Operations According to investigators, the teen sent fraudulent commands to Bandai Channel’s servers, triggering the mass deregistration of accounts.

The attack also left the company’s operations at a halt starting November 6, which only resumed in December following extensive repairing work to its systems. The company later alerted the police, seeking a probe into the incident. Investigators reckon that the 15-year-old identified a loophole in the system and used it to gain unauthorised access to account information. Authorities suggest that even after the company blocked his access, the accused changed his IP address about 30 times to send fraudulent commands to the servers, the Straits Times reported. After the incident, Bandai Namco Filmworks approached the affected customers and urged them to be caution of suspicious e-mails. In an official statement, the company asserted that it will continue to conduct regular checks of the system to avoid any recurrence.