South Korean Police Investigate Telegram for Deepfake Crimes

South Korean police have begun an investigation into Telegram to determine its role in distributing sexually explicit deepfake content. This move comes after public outrage and coincides with a French probe into Telegram's founder. The South Korean government is pushing for stricter laws against deepfake-related crimes.

South Korean police have launched an investigation into Telegram, scrutinizing the encrypted messaging app for its potential role in the distribution of sexually explicit deepfake content. This comes as public outrage grows over digital deepfake pornography featuring South Korean women, often found in Telegram chatrooms, according to local media reports.

The investigation follows comments from the commissioner of the National Policy Agency, Cho Ji-ho, who announced that the agency was reviewing whether to charge secure messaging apps with abetting crimes. This review coincides with a French investigation into Pavel Durov, Telegram's Russian-born founder, as authorities there probe organized crime on the platform.

Data shows South Korea is the most targeted nation by deepfake pornography, particularly affecting its singers and actresses. Police report a surge in deepfake sex crime cases, with 297 incidents this year compared to 156 in 2021. In response, the South Korean government plans to enact stricter laws making the purchase or viewing of sexually exploitative deepfakes a criminal act.

(With inputs from agencies.)