Telegram Commits to Zero Tolerance for Deepfake Content in South Korea as Number of Victims Hits Over 800 This Year

Telegram Takes Action Against Deepfake Content in South Korea

South Korea's media regulator, the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), announced on September 30, 2024, that Telegram has agreed to implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding deepfake pornography and other illegal content.

This commitment follows a recent meeting where concerns were raised about the increasing prevalence of manipulated images of Korean women on the platform.

The KCSC's Chairman, Ryu Hee-lim, highlighted the serious nature of the issue, stating,

“Telegram said they understood the situation in Korea where deepfake porn content has become a significant social issue.”

KCSC Chairman Ryu Hee-lim addresses a press conference in Seoul on September 30, 2024.

In response to these concerns, Telegram acknowledged the severity of the situation and expressed its dedication to taking strict measures against illegal material.

This proactive stance includes the immediate removal of content related to digital sex crimes, as well as other illicit activities such as prostitution, drug-related content, and gambling.

The KCSC, which has the exclusive authority to review and flag illegal content, has requested Telegram to cooperate fully in this endeavour.

How Will Telegram Collaborate with Local Authorities?

The partnership between Telegram and South Korean authorities is designed to address the growing challenge of deepfake technology.

Telegram is not only committed to removing illegal content but will also work closely with local law enforcement agencies.

To facilitate ongoing communication, a new hotline will be established between Telegram and the KCSC, allowing for quicker responses to reported violations.

This collaborative effort aims to enhance the efficiency of monitoring and removing harmful material from the platform.

During the initial phase of this cooperation, Telegram acted promptly, removing a total of 148 instances of sexual exploitation material from its platform at the KCSC’s request between September 3 and 25.

This swift action demonstrates Telegram’s commitment to addressing the urgent concerns posed by the rise of deepfake pornography.

A Disturbing Trend: Victims of Deepfake Videos

The alarming rise in deepfake videos has deeply impacted the educational sector.

A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Education revealed that 799 students from elementary to high school have fallen victim to these manipulated videos this year, alongside 31 teachers.

The total number of victims from January 1 to October 27 reached 833, which includes three school employees.

This troubling trend has raised public awareness and prompted discussions about the safety of individuals, particularly women, in the digital landscape.

The survey reported that 504 damage reports related to deepfake content were filed with schools, consisting of 279 reports from high schools and 209 from middle schools.

Among these cases, 417 have been forwarded to authorities for further investigation, highlighting the significant response needed to combat this issue.

Furthermore, 218 cases have been referred for deletion, indicating a proactive approach to removing harmful content from educational environments.

What Measures Are Being Taken?

The recent collaboration between Telegram and the KCSC is a critical step toward addressing the surge of deepfake sex crimes in South Korea.

As concerns grow over the manipulation of women's images, the regulatory body emphasises the importance of swift action.

With Telegram’s commitment to enforcing its zero-tolerance policy, there is hope for a more secure digital environment.

The KCSC anticipates that illegal content will be removed more efficiently as a result of this agreement.

The ongoing battle against deepfake technology requires concerted efforts from both regulatory bodies and digital platforms.

As public alarm continues to rise over the misuse of technology, the measures being taken by Telegram and the KCSC signal a determined fight against the harmful effects of deepfake content.