South Korean authorities investigate Telegram over deepfake content

South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into messaging platform Telegram to assess whether it played a role in the distribution of sexually explicit deepfake content.

The Sept. 2 Reuters report marks a revival in government efforts to combat sexual exploitation via digital platforms, amid the growing incidence of deepfakes targeting South Korean women.

The investigation, as reported, marks the first time that South Korean law enforcement has taken legal action against Telegram. The allegations against the platform include facilitating sexual crimes through the distribution of deepfake content.

Deepfake pornography cases on the rise among South Korean youth

The investigation focuses on eight bots on the Telegram app that create and distribute fake adult content. Since the investigation began in late August, 88 complaints have been filed and 24 suspects have been named in the distribution of deepfakes.

Deepfake pornography has become a major concern in recent times, as more and more cases are being reported. South Korean police have recorded 297 deepfake sex crimes this year alone, compared to 156 cases the year before. Alarmingly, both victims and perpetrators are mostly teenagers, suggesting that this is a problem that is prevalent among young people.

South Korea has become the country most affected by deepfake pornography worldwide. According to Security Hero, a US-based identity theft protection company, 53% of deepfake pornography victims are South Korean singers and actresses.

Government announces new legislation to curb explicit deepfakes

Due to the growing risk, the South Korean government also recently announced that new legislation will be passed to prevent the production and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes. The Korea Communications Commission has also called on social media companies to continue to remove and block such content.

At the same time, South Korean authorities asked their French counterparts for help in dealing with Telegram and improving direct communication with the company. The head of South Korea’s National Policy Agency, Cho Ji-ho, stated that the agency plans to monitor messaging apps like Telegram for possible links to crime.

Telegram faces international criticism

Telegram has been accused of allowing banned content in the past, and this is a similar case. Pavel Durov, the platform’s founder, is facing multiple charges in France and is currently under investigation. French police are investigating the possibility that the platform has a connection to organized crime.

A few days after his arrest in France, it was revealed that the Indian government was investigating Telegram for links to criminality, putting further pressure on Telegram to address the South Korean government’s concerns.

Telegram has stated that it moderates content and removes prohibited content, including child pornography. However, the company’s ability to do so has been questioned. The company denied the allegations to Durov, saying it is unreasonable to hold the platform’s owner responsible for the actions of its users.

Source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/south-korean-police-investigate-telegram/