Telegram Apologizes for Deepfake Porn Handling Amid South Korea’s Digital Sex Crime Crisis

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
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Telegram Apologizes for Deepfake Porn Handling Amid South Korea’s Digital Sex Crime Crisis
Telegram
Written By : Leah De-Graft Takyi


In a significant response to a growing digital sex crime epidemic, Telegram has issued an apology to South Korean authorities for its role in the dissemination of deepfake pornographic material through its messaging platform. This comes on the heels of an investigation launched by South Korean police, who accused the company of abetting the distribution of such explicit content, which has sparked outrage across the nation.

The controversy erupted as authorities uncovered numerous Telegram chatrooms—many operated by teenagers—where users were creating sexually explicit deepfakes by manipulating images of young women. In response to the mounting pressure, Telegram confirmed that it had removed 25 of these videos from its platform at the request of the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC).

In a statement addressing the KCSC, Telegram described the situation as "unfortunate" and expressed regret for any misunderstandings that may have arisen. The company also proposed the establishment of a dedicated email address for ongoing communication with the regulator, a move that KCSC deemed “very forward-looking.” The commission acknowledged that Telegram has recognized the seriousness of the issue, a sentiment that reflects the growing urgency surrounding digital sex crimes in South Korea.

Deepfakes, which are created using artificial intelligence to superimpose real faces onto fake bodies, have become a focal point in the conversation about online safety and privacy. The recent surge in deepfake incidents has alarmed many, particularly after reports surfaced of police investigations into deepfake porn rings operating at two major universities in South Korea. In just five days, authorities received 118 reports related to such videos, leading to the questioning of seven suspects, six of whom are teenagers.

These chat groups were linked to various educational institutions, and many of the victims were students and teachers known to the perpetrators. The implications of these actions are severe; under South Korean law, individuals found guilty of creating sexually explicit deepfakes can face up to five years in prison and fines reaching 50 million won (approximately $37,500).

The urgency of addressing these crimes has been echoed by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. His directive aims to tackle the rampant digital sex crimes that have plagued the nation, particularly on platforms like Telegram. The president’s remarks come in the wake of previous scandals, including a notorious sex ring uncovered in 2019, where perpetrators exploited the app to blackmail women and children into producing pornographic content. The ring leader, Cho Ju-bin, was sentenced to 42 years in prison.

As Telegram navigates this crisis, the company’s founder, Pavel Durov, recently faced his own legal troubles in France, where he was arrested on allegations of child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraud associated with the messaging app. Durov has since been charged, further complicating the platform’s reputation.

Women’s rights activists in South Korea have criticized authorities for their perceived inaction regarding sexual abuse facilitated through Telegram. They argue that the platform has become a breeding ground for exploitation and that urgent measures are needed to protect vulnerable individuals from digital predation.

As Telegram works to address these issues, the spotlight remains on the company’s commitment to user safety and compliance with local regulations. The unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by emerging technologies and the urgent need for robust safeguards against digital exploitation.

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