President Orders Crackdown on Digital Sex Crimes
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced a major crackdown on digital sex crimes, particularly focusing on deepfake pornography that targets women and minors. This initiative follows alarming reports of such material being shared on the Telegram messaging app.
Seven-Month Campaign to Combat Deepfake Epidemic
Yoon’s directive comes amid rising concerns about the misuse of deepfake technology to create and disseminate fake sexually explicit content. The government plans a seven-month campaign to aggressively target individuals involved in producing and distributing this material, with a particular emphasis on protecting children and teenagers.
Rising Incidence of Deepfake Crimes
In the first half of this year, South Korea reported 297 cases of deepfake pornography, nearly double the number from the previous year. Of the 178 individuals charged, 113 were teenagers. The rise in incidents reflects a growing trend, with many victims being university students, teachers, and military personnel.
Telegram’s Role and Broader Implications
The Telegram platform, where many of these deepfake images are shared, has faced scrutiny for its role in facilitating such crimes. A chatroom on the app has reportedly attracted around 220,000 members engaged in creating and distributing these illicit images. The Center for Military Human Rights Korea highlighted that even female soldiers have been targeted.
Previous Issues with Telegram
South Korea’s past experiences with Telegram include a notorious case in 2020, where the leader of an online sexual blackmail ring was sentenced to 42 years in prison. This case involved blackmailing numerous women, including teenagers, into producing degrading content.
Legal Framework and Future Actions
Under South Korean law, those found guilty of making and distributing sexually explicit deepfakes face up to five years in prison or a fine of 50 million won ($37,500). The upcoming investigation and crackdown aim to address this growing issue and restore confidence in digital communication platforms.