Japan Arrests 15-Year-Old for Using ChatGPT To Delete Over 46,000 Anime Streaming Accounts
A 15-year-old high school student in Japan has been arrested for allegedly using ChatGPT to help build software behind a cyberattack on Bandai Namco Filmworks' Bandai Channel streaming service. The breach disrupted platform operations and led to the cancellation of more than 46,000 user accounts.
A 15-year-old high school student in Japan has been arrested for allegedly using ChatGPT to help build software behind a cyberattack on Bandai Namco Filmworks' Bandai Channel streaming service. The breach disrupted platform operations and led to the cancellation of more than 46,000 user accounts.
What Investigators Allege
According to reports citing the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the teenager is suspected of fraudulent obstruction of business after allegedly exploiting a vulnerability in the anime streaming platform in November 2025. Investigators claim he used ChatGPT to help write a program that automated unauthorized access to member accounts, resulting in the cancellation of 46,812 subscriptions. Kiyomasa Viral Video: Japan’s Viral Gorilla Wins Hearts Online With Human-Like Reaction After Fight With Mate.
The teenager reportedly told police, "I created the source code for the withdrawal process myself. Since the processing was taking a long time, I asked ChatGPT and completed it in a different programming language."
Police allege that on November 4, 2025, the teen sent fraudulent commands to Bandai Channel's servers, triggering the mass deregistration of thousands of accounts. The attack disrupted company services beginning November 6, with full operations only resuming in December after system repairs. Bandai Namco Filmworks later reported the incident to police. Kimi Onoda Viral Video: Japanese Minister Issues Apology After Being 5 Minutes Late to Meeting With PM Sanae Takaichi.
How the Breach Unfolded
Investigators believe the teenager identified a security flaw in the platform and exploited it to gain unauthorized access to account information. The attack also forced the company to temporarily suspend parts of its service. Authorities further allege that even after the company blocked his access, the teen changed his IP address roughly 30 times to continue sending malicious commands.
The suspect, a junior high school student at the time of the alleged attack, had already been arrested in June this year over other computer related offenses. He reportedly taught himself programming while in elementary school.
What the Teenager Told Police
During questioning, the teenager allegedly admitted to the accusations and told investigators he had "no grudge" against Bandai Namco Filmworks. Instead, he said he targeted the platform simply because there were many accounts he could log into.
He also told police, "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."
Company Response
After the breach, Bandai Namco Filmworks notified affected customers individually and urged them to be cautious of phishing and impersonation emails. Users whose memberships had been cancelled were asked to re-register, and the company announced refunds for subscription fees charged during the disruption.
Bandai Namco Filmworks said there is no evidence that the leaked data has been published online or misused. The company said, "We take this situation very seriously and will continue to conduct regular checks and strive to prevent any recurrence."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 09:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
