Japan's taking a novel step against rising fraud,appointing an AI-driven police chief called AIko. This digital avatar targets younger audiences to fight scams that drained over US$2 billion from the country last year.
AIko made her debut late May on Osaka Prefectural Police’s YouTube channel,delivering clear warnings on common scam tactics. In a video titled “Chief AIko’s Crime Prevention Class,” she stresses,“No police officers show their IDs and arrest warrants online.” Her direct style aims to connect with viewers who might ignore traditional crime prevention methods.
Created by Toshinori Hirano,a visiting professor at Kagawa University Cyber Security Centre, AIko was designed to boost fraud awareness. Hirano,who previously advised Osaka police, now uses technology to expand reach. Fraud's hitting younger folks more now; almost half of last year's scam victims in Osaka were under 65,according to early police data.
As Japan battles surge in social media-based investment fraud and other scams,AIko marks a strategic shift . Authorities now focus on platforms popular with younger users,educating them about online risks . But will it work…?
