South Korea's National Police Agency has launched an investigation into the popular messaging app Telegram, following accusations that the platform has been "abetting" the distribution of deepfake pornographic material. Among the alarming claims are that images of teenagers have been doctored and shared in large messaging channels, exacerbating the country's struggle with a growing epidemic of digital sex crimes.
Human Rights Watch describes the situation in South Korea as an "epidemic," with "hundreds of women and girls" having their likenesses manipulated and shared in deepfake form. These altered images are being distributed in Telegram channels that reportedly host up to 220,000 members, creating a pervasive culture of digital exploitation.
Deepfake Related Offenses in South Korea
Deepfakes are images created using artificial intelligence (AI) to superimpose a person's face onto another body, often for explicit, non-consensual content. Offenders typically use social media platforms like Instagram to obtain photos of victims, which are then manipulated into pornographic material. This practice has proliferated globally, with South Korea particularly impacted.
In one case, a university student shared how she was sent a message on Telegram, warning that her personal information had been leaked. She was then shown a doctored image of herself in a sexually explicit scenario. Unfortunately, such cases are common.
South Korea's National Police Agency reported 297 deepfake-related offenses in the first seven months of 2024, nearly double the 2021 figures, according to BBC. Authorities are under pressure to take stronger action as chatrooms continue to share these images.
In response to public outrage, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has launched a seven-month crackdown on digital sex crimes, focusing on those targeting women, children, and teenagers. However, women's rights groups argue that the root issue-misogyny in online culture-is being ignored.
Activists point to deepfake abuse as part of a broader pattern of crimes against women, including the "spy cam" epidemic. They demand action against structural sexism, which President Yoon has denied, while cutting funding for victim support and dismantling the gender equality ministry.
Telegram Under Scrutiny
Telegram's minimal moderation policies are under fire for allowing criminal behavior to thrive. In 2019, the platform was used by a sex trafficking ring in South Korea, and despite police requests, Telegram ignored appeals for assistance. Now, in the wake of the current investigation, Telegram has removed 25 videos at the request of South Korea's Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) but faces ongoing criticism for its role in the spread of deepfakes.
