South Korea’s media regulator, the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), has confirmed that Telegram has taken action to remove explicit deepfake pornographic content from its platform. This move comes in response to the growing concern over digital sex crimes in the country, particularly the circulation of deepfake sexual exploitation materials.
Following the request from the KCSC, Telegram’s East Asia representative responded by removing 25 pieces of sexual exploitation material and issuing an apology for the initial miscommunication regarding the issue. The company also established an exclusive email address for future communication with Korean authorities, signaling a commitment to improve cooperation in tackling illicit content on the platform.
The KCSC expressed satisfaction with Telegram’s actions and emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration to combat the spread of deepfake content. An official from the commission highlighted the need to establish a hotline for swift response to such materials, indicating a proactive approach to addressing digital sex crimes.
This development comes amidst a concerning trend in South Korea, where cases of digital sex crimes, including deepfake incidents, have been on the rise. Police reports show a significant increase in deepfake cases, from 156 in 2021 to 297 as of July this year, prompting President Yoon Suk Yeol to call for thorough investigations into these offenses.
The issue gained national attention when reports surfaced about chat rooms on Telegram being used to create and distribute deepfake porn content featuring Korean women. This led to a police investigation into Telegram’s involvement in facilitating deepfake sex crimes, raising concerns about the platform’s role in enabling such illicit activities.
In light of previous incidents involving online sexual exploitation, such as the case of Cho Ju-bin and his sexual blackmail ring on Telegram, the public outcry over deepfake content in the platform’s chat rooms has intensified. Reports of deepfakes of female students, including university and high school students, circulating in Telegram channels have sparked outrage and prompted calls for further investigations from education authorities to protect vulnerable school students.
Under South Korea’s laws, the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes are considered criminal offenses, punishable by imprisonment or fines. President Yoon Suk Yeol has condemned such acts as a clear violation of the law, emphasizing the need to address digital sex crimes effectively.
The country’s zero-tolerance policy towards digital sex crimes underscores the seriousness of the issue, with Telegram’s compliance in removing explicit content marking a positive step towards addressing the problem. As the authorities work towards enhancing cooperation with platforms like Telegram, the focus remains on preventing the spread of deepfake content and protecting individuals from falling victim to digital sex crimes.