HYBE Steps Up Efforts Against AI Deepfake Exploitation with New Reporting System

Screenshot of HYBE’s online portal for reporting artist rights infringements (SCREENCAPTURE)

K-pop giant HYBE is doing everything it can to combat AI deepfake content, which has become a major problem in Korea lately.

“Creating and distributing fictitious explicit photos and videos of an artist is a blatant digital moral crime that not only violates the artist’s human rights but also seriously undermines basic principles of ethics,” HYBE said in Monday’s announcement about the launch of a portal for reporting artist rights violations.

The agency stressed that it is committed to tackling deepfake content through the new portal.

“We have created a separate category to accelerate and strengthen our response to illegal pornography, including AI-generated ‘deepfake’ sexual exploitation content, which has become a serious social problem in recent years.”

The agency says it is actively monitoring platforms including Telegram, X (formerly Twitter) and Discord for deepfake content and is working with authorities to ensure a coordinated response.

“We are working to strengthen our cooperation with relevant government agencies, including the Korea Communications Standards Commission, and civil society organizations,” the agency said.

According to HYBE, the new portal bundles existing reporting channels for each artist and is intended to help fans report defamatory messages and copyright infringements more efficiently, allowing the agency to respond quickly and systematically.

Reports of harmful content can be filed under several categories, including defamation, rumors or false information, sexual harassment, AI deepfake abuse, and stalking.

The agency reiterated its commitment to take legal action without leniency against malicious posts and copyright violations.

“HYBE will always strive to ensure that the rights of our artists are fully protected.”

HYBE is home to numerous well-known artists, including BTS, Tomorrow X Together, Enhypen and Le Sserafim.

On Monday, the Korean National Police announced that 515 undercover investigations into illegal deepfake pornography have been conducted since September 2021, with 1,415 people arrested.

BY WOO JI-WON ([email protected])