South Korea Cracks Down on Deepfake Sex Crimes

South Korea plans to ask Telegram and other social media platforms to help remove sexually explicit deepfake content. The move comes amid growing outrage over such material in Telegram chatrooms. The Korea Communications Standards Commission aims to double monitoring personnel and set up a victims' hotline.

South Korean authorities are stepping up efforts to combat the proliferation of sexually explicit deepfake content, asking platforms like Telegram to more actively assist in their removal. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address rising public and political concerns.

Following reports that Telegram frequently hosts sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of South Korean women, the Korea Communications Standards Commission has announced plans to double its personnel monitoring digital sex crimes and establish a 24-hour victims' hotline. The commission also aims to enhance communication with social media firms to expedite the deletion of harmful content.

The Korean National Police Agency has committed to a seven-month crackdown on online sex crimes. Despite requesting cooperation from major platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, none have responded. Criticism of Telegram escalated following the arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov, involved in a French investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)