South Korean authorities have intensified their efforts to combat the proliferation of sexually explicit deepfake content by calling on major social media platforms like Telegram, X, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, and Google’s YouTube to collaborate more effectively in removing and blocking such material. This call to action comes in response to growing public and political outcry over the misuse of deepfake technology, which has increasingly targeted South Korean women.

The urgency of the situation has prompted the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) to implement several new measures aimed at curbing the spread of this illegal content. The KCSC plans to establish a 24-hour hotline dedicated to supporting victims of digital sex crimes and to double its current regulatory staff from 70 to 140 personnel. This expansion is part of a broader initiative by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) to launch a seven-month campaign targeting online sex crimes.

Ryu Hee-lim, chairman of the KCSC, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “Production, possession and distribution of deepfake sex crime videos are a serious crime that destroys the individual dignity and personal rights.” The KCSC’s new consultative body will aim to improve dialogue with social media firms, particularly focusing on those without South Korean offices. The goal is to establish regular, face-to-face consultations to ensure swift action against harmful content.

Despite these efforts, cooperation from social media companies has been inconsistent. The KCSC’s appeal for support extends to Telegram, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, but responses from these platforms have been lacking. The situation with Telegram is particularly notable due to recent controversies involving its founder, Pavel Durov, who was arrested as part of a French investigation into child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraud. This arrest has added to the scrutiny faced by Telegram in South Korea.

The rise in deepfake sex crimes in South Korea is alarming. Reports indicate that the number of such cases surged from 156 in 2021 to 297 so far this year. Most perpetrators are teenagers, with victims predominantly being female, including school students and female military personnel. This escalation underscores the urgent need for effective intervention and prevention strategies.

In response to the increasing number of cases, South Korean citizens have made over 6,300 requests for the removal of sexually explicit deepfake content this year. This is comparable to nearly 7,200 cases reported last year where the KCSC successfully facilitated content removal. However, the effectiveness of these efforts is hindered by the platforms’ responses and the challenges associated with the anonymity provided by encrypted messaging services like Telegram.

Kim Yeo-jin, head of the Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center, highlighted the difficulties faced by law enforcement, stating, “Telegram is now the main platform of choice for perpetrators of sexually explicit deepfake content… Police need to do more.” Many victims have reported that when they seek help, they are often told that filing a report is ineffective due to the challenges associated with tracking and apprehending offenders on Telegram.

The response from law enforcement has been criticized for its inadequacy. A 2020 report by lawmaker Kim Young-bae revealed that police had made seven requests to Telegram for assistance with digital sex crime investigations between February and August of that year, but none of these requests were answered. This lack of cooperation from Telegram has further complicated efforts to tackle the issue.

The KCSC’s recent actions are aimed at addressing these challenges by enhancing regulatory measures and improving collaboration with social media platforms. The commission’s strategy includes not only increasing the number of personnel dedicated to monitoring digital sex crimes but also developing more effective channels for communication with international tech companies.

The South Korean government’s heightened focus on this issue reflects a broader global concern about the misuse of deepfake technology. As the technology becomes more accessible, its potential for abuse grows, necessitating stronger regulatory frameworks and more effective cooperation between governments and tech companies.

In summary, South Korea is taking significant steps to address the rising threat of sexually explicit deepfake content. By calling for enhanced cooperation from major social media platforms and increasing its own regulatory resources, the country aims to better protect victims and prevent further abuse. However, the effectiveness of these measures will largely depend on the responsiveness of international tech companies and the ability of law enforcement to adapt to new challenges in digital crime.

(Adapted from Business-Standard.com)

Categories: Regulations & Legal, Strategy, Uncategorized