South Korea Urges Telegram to Crack Down on Deepfake Sex Crimes
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for a thorough investigation into digital sex offenses using AI-generated content, focusing on deepfake pornography
President Yoon emphasized the need to combat the proliferation of deepfake videos, which can victimize anyone
Deepfake technology is being misused to create sexually explicit content by superimposing faces onto others' bodies.
A Telegram chatroom shared deepfake images of over 30 female students, involving 1,200 participants and personal details.
The problem extends beyond one chatroom, with other Telegram channels linked to military units and educational institutions also involved in creating and distributing deepfake pornography.
South Korea's Ministry of Education has directed regional offices to investigate deepfake cases involving students.
The Korea Communications Standards Commission is ramping up efforts to monitor and respond to these crimes and is in direct communication with Telegram.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized the need for strict action against digital crimes, comparable to the fight against illegal substances.
The Democratic Party of Korea has suggested forming a task force to prevent deepfake sex crimes and push for tougher penalties for offenders.
The National Police Agency (KNPA) has initiated a seven-month crackdown on deepfake content crimes, using detection tools and collaborating with local, state, and international bodies.
The rise in deepfake pornography in South Korea highlights the dangers of technological misuse and has led to swift government action to safeguard digital integrity and protect citizens.