South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for a crackdown on the growing issue of digital sex crimes, particularly the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography targeting women and girls. His demand comes after recent reports revealed the widespread use of the Telegram messaging app to generate and circulate fake, sexually explicit images and videos, sparking concerns that any woman could become a potential victim.
The president urged authorities to intensify efforts to “eradicate” digital sex crimes amid growing public anger over the situation. The media and social media users have uncovered numerous chat groups on Telegram where explicit deepfake images, including those depicting minors, were being produced and shared, heightening fears about the safety and privacy of South Korean women and girls.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for urgent action against the rise of digital sex crimes, particularly the spread of deepfake pornography targeting women and girls.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Yoon highlighted the rapid proliferation of deepfake videos on social media and noted that many victims are minors, with perpetrators often being teenagers themselves. He urged authorities to conduct thorough investigations and take decisive steps to eliminate these crimes.
According to South Korean police, 297 cases of deepfake sexual crimes were reported in the first seven months of the year, a significant increase from 180 cases last year and nearly double the number from 2021. Of those charged, 113 are teenagers, although the actual scale of the issue may be even larger than the statistics suggest.
Reports indicate that Telegram chatrooms have become a hub for creating and sharing explicit deepfake images, with some channels with around 220,000 members. Victims reportedly include university students, teachers, and military personnel. Perpetrators have used photos from social media platforms like Instagram to generate these manipulated images, further complicating efforts to address the problem.
The Korea Communications Standards Commission plans to meet to discuss strategies for combating this issue. President Yoon described the use of deepfake technology to exploit individuals as a “clear criminal act,” emphasizing the need for stronger measures to protect victims and prevent the misuse of digital technology.
The South Korean government is facing increased scrutiny over its handling of digital sex crimes. President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for enhanced education for young men and a solid response to these crimes, which exploit technology and anonymity. Critics argue that the current administration, which has previously downplayed systemic gender discrimination, may struggle to effectively address these issues.
Telegram’s association with past scandals, including a major online blackmail ring in 2020, has already damaged its reputation in South Korea. The app’s involvement in distributing sexually explicit deepfakes is expected to further tarnish its standing. Under South Korean law, creating and distributing such deepfakes can result in up to five years in prison or a fine of 50 million won ($37,500).
