'Miss Tokyo University' Dreamer Walks the Streets Without Underwear... Japanese YouTuber Faces AI Fake Controversy

Account Suspended on YouTube Amid Growing Controversy
Global Debate Surrounding Generative AI Continues

Recently in Japan, a female YouTuber who gained high viewership with provocative content has sparked controversy amid claims that she is a product of "generative artificial intelligence (AI)." On the 16th, Sankei Shimbun introduced a YouTube channel named "Miss Tokyo Daigaku," which was launched in September 2023. This channel mainly posts videos of a young woman walking alone in parks or outdoors, uploading provocative videos with titles such as "No Bra Walk," causing public uproar.

Most notably, the woman appearing on the channel is introduced as aiming to become "Miss Tokyo Daigaku." "Miss Tokyo Daigaku" refers to the winner of a university contest hosted by a Japanese university club, which often serves as a gateway for becoming a broadcaster announcer or talent. Among these, the Miss Tokyo Daigaku contest, known as Japan’s top "Eomchin-ddal" (model daughter of a perfect family), receives the most attention. Some videos uploaded on this YouTube channel have reached millions of views. Although the channel was launched recently, it already has tens of thousands of subscribers.

A Japanese female YouTuber suspected of using generative artificial intelligence (AI). The YouTube account in question has been deleted.
[Photo by Sankei Shimbun]

As the channel gained popularity, some Japanese netizens raised concerns about the woman in the videos. Above all, they pointed out that her movements and face seemed "somehow unnatural, possibly deepfake technology." As the controversy spread, even a representative from the University of Tokyo’s public relations department stated, "We do not know this woman." YouTube has also suspended the account for violating its usage policies.

A professor from a Japanese informatics research institute who viewed the videos analyzed, "The shadows and movements look very natural, but there are many awkward scenes, such as the side of the face being cut off," suggesting "it is likely a deepfake created by generative AI."

Within Japan, as such deepfake technology-based provocative channels spread, Sankei Shimbun expressed concern, stating, "Besides this account, videos of women labeled 'Miss Tokyo Daigaku' are being posted." In particular, Sankei Shimbun pointed out that some producers of these provocative videos post links to multiple sites, encouraging viewers to become paid members to access even more provocative videos, which could lead to greater social problems.

Meanwhile, not only in Japan but also worldwide, controversies surrounding generative AI are growing. In fact, in recent times, generative AI has increasingly infringed copyrights in cultural industries such as music, movies, dramas, and webtoons, as well as violated social ethical norms, as seen in the "Miss Tokyo Daigaku" case.

At the end of January, on the American NBC Night Show, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft (MS), expressed anger over the online spread of obscene images synthesized with pop star Taylor Swift’s face. Nadella emphasized the need for AI regulation, saying, "We need to put guardrails around technology so that safer AI content can be produced more," and added, "Especially when laws, law enforcement agencies, and technology platforms work together, much more can be regulated."