China makes first ChatGPT-related arrest over fake train accident news
Technology
The suspect is facing allegations of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble"
(Web Desk) – Chinese police arrested a citizen for allegedly using ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI, to develop fake news stories of a train accident and spread it online.
The suspect identified as Hong was detained by northwestern Gansu province police for misusing the technology and disseminate false information, making it the first ChatGPT-related arrest.
Chinese media said an investigation was launched into the matter after the police spotted the fake news article claiming that nine people were killed in the accident on April 25.
The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that the cybersecurity officers in Kongtong county found the article simultaneously shared by 20 different accounts on Baijiahao, a blog-style platform owned by Chinese search engine Baidu.
The suspect is facing allegations of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble", a charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years. But in cases that are deemed especially severe, offenders can be jailed for 10 years and given additional penalties, the Post reported.
The police said the untrue article originated from a company owned by the suspect Hong, which operated personal media platforms registered in Shenzhen region.
