South Korean Police Launch Investigation into Telegram Over Deepfake Online Sex Crimes
South Korean Police Launch Investigation into Telegram Over Deepfake Online Sex Crimes .
#Digital_Sex_Crimes_in_Schools
#Expose_the_Deepfake_Perpetrators
#South_Korea_expel_criminals
#Protect_WomenAndGirls
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By Jessica Card
Seoul, Sept 2, 2024 (SN) | South Korean police have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the messaging platform Telegram, following allegations that it has been facilitating the distribution of sexually explicit deepfake content. This move comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of digital sex crimes in the country.
Police received 88 reports of deepfake porn last week alone, Woo said, adding they have identified 24 suspects, confirms CNA
The probe, led by the National Police Agency’s cyber investigation bureau, aims to determine whether Telegram has been complicit in the spread of deepfake pornography. These deepfakes involve the use of artificial intelligence to superimpose the faces of individuals onto explicit images or videos without their consent.
“Moderators use a combination of proactive monitoring of public parts of the platform, sophisticated AI tools and user reports in order to remove millions of pieces of harmful content each day,” it said Telegram in a statement according to Asiaone
The investigation was prompted by multiple reports from domestic media outlets, which revealed that sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of South Korean women were frequently shared in Telegram chatrooms. This has sparked public outrage and calls for stricter regulations to combat digital sex crimes.
“In light of these (deepfake) crimes, the Seoul National Police Agency launched their probe last week … for abetting the crimes,” said Woo Jong-soo, head of the investigation bureau at the National Police Agency, according to a transcript of a press briefing.
“Telegram has been non-responsive to our previous requests for account information during investigations of earlier Telegram-linked crimes,” he said.
In response to these reports, South Korean authorities have urged Telegram and other social media platforms to cooperate fully in the investigation. The police have also highlighted the platform’s previous non-responsiveness to requests for account information during earlier investigations.
President Yoon Suk Yeol has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and has called for measures to eradicate digital sex crimes completely. The government is also considering new legislation to impose harsher penalties on those involved in the creation and distribution of deepfake content.
Telegram has stated that it actively moderates harmful content on its platform, including illegal pornography. The company claims to use a combination of proactive monitoring, sophisticated AI tools, and user reports to remove millions of pieces of harmful content daily. However, the effectiveness of these measures is now under scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.
As the investigation progresses, South Korean police have pledged to collaborate with international investigative bodies to enhance their efforts. This includes seeking cooperation from French authorities, following the recent arrest of Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, in France on charges related to failing to curb extremist and illegal content on the platform.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for how digital platforms handle and regulate user-generated content, particularly in the realm of deepfake technology. It also underscores the urgent need for robust legal frameworks to protect individuals from digital exploitation.
#Digital_Sex_Crimes_in_Schools
#Expose_the_Deepfake_Perpetrators
#South_Korea_expel_criminals
#Protect_WomenAndGirls
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