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AI-related copyright losses cost celebrities up to ¥4.5 billion, study says

A study by the Japan Publicity Right Protection Organization found that over 43,000 AI-generated deepfakes using celebrities' likenesses without consent led to copyright losses of up to ¥4.5 billion. The study also found that only 28% of companies were aware of the full s…

By Yukana Inoue·Jul 9·japantimes.co.jp·3 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

A recent study by the Japan Publicity Right Protection Organization found that AI-generated deepfakes using celebrities' likenesses without consent led to copyright losses of up to ¥4.5 billion. The study also highlighted the lack of awareness among companies about the scope of damages caused by copyright infringement.

Why it matters

This story matters because it highlights the growing issue of AI-generated content infringing on artists' copyrights and the need for companies to be aware of the scope of damages caused by such infringement.

Imagine you're a famous actor, and someone uses a computer to make a fake video of you doing something you didn't do. This is called a 'deepfake.' A recent study found that over 43,000 deepfakes were made using famous people's likenesses without their permission, which can cause big financial losses. This is a big problem because it's hard for companies to keep track of all the times their artists' likenesses are used without permission.

Analysis

A Growing Concern: AI-Generated Deepfakes and Copyright Infringement

The recent study by the Japan Publicity Right Protection Organization (JAPRO) has shed light on the growing issue of AI-generated deepfakes using celebrities' likenesses without consent. The study found that over 43,000 such deepfakes were created over a two-month period last year, leading to copyright losses of up to ¥4.5 billion. This is a significant concern for the entertainment industry, as it can result in financial losses for celebrities and artists.

The study also highlighted the lack of awareness among companies about the scope of damages caused by copyright infringement. Only 28% of companies surveyed said they were fully or somewhat aware of the full scope of damages, while 52% were considering options to deal with these violations. This lack of awareness is concerning, as it can lead to companies failing to take adequate measures to prevent copyright infringement.

The Justice Ministry has set up an expert panel to discuss possible legal actions against AI-generated content, and is looking to compile guidelines as concerns around AI usage in the entertainment industry continue to heighten. This is a positive step towards addressing the issue of AI-generated deepfakes and copyright infringement.

The Impact of AI on the Entertainment Industry

The use of AI in the entertainment industry is becoming increasingly prevalent, with many companies using AI to create content such as music, videos, and images. However, this has also led to concerns about copyright infringement, as AI-generated content can be used without permission or proper attribution. The study by JAPRO highlights the need for companies to be aware of the scope of damages caused by copyright infringement and to take adequate measures to prevent it.

The Need for Guidelines and Regulations

The study by JAPRO also highlights the need for guidelines and regulations to deal with AI-generated content and copyright infringement. The Justice Ministry's expert panel is a positive step towards addressing this issue, and it is hoped that guidelines and regulations will be put in place to prevent copyright infringement and protect the rights of artists and celebrities.

Conclusion

The study by JAPRO has highlighted the growing issue of AI-generated deepfakes using celebrities' likenesses without consent and the need for companies to be aware of the scope of damages caused by copyright infringement. The Justice Ministry's expert panel and the compilation of guidelines are positive steps towards addressing this issue, and it is hoped that they will lead to a reduction in copyright infringement and the protection of the rights of artists and celebrities.

Key points

  • Over 43,000 AI-generated deepfakes using celebrities' likenesses without consent were created over a two-month period last year.
  • The study found that only 28% of companies were aware of the full scope of damages caused by copyright infringement.
  • The Justice Ministry has set up an expert panel to discuss possible legal actions against AI-generated content.
  • The study highlighted the need for guidelines and regulations to deal with AI-generated content and copyright infringement.
The Upside

If companies take steps to prevent copyright infringement and protect the rights of artists and celebrities, it could lead to a reduction in the number of deepfakes made without permission. This could also lead to a more transparent and accountable use of AI-generated content in the entertainment industry.

The Downside

If companies fail to take adequate measures to prevent copyright infringement, it could lead to a continued increase in the number of deepfakes made without permission, resulting in significant financial losses for artists and celebrities.

Originally reported at

japantimes.co.jp

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsai-agentscopyrightentertainmentinfringementjapan

Author

Yukana Inoue

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 9, 2026

Source

japantimes.co.jp

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Topics

ai-agentscopyrightentertainmentinfringementjapan

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