TELEGRAM has apologized to South Korean authorities over its handling of deepfake pornographic material shared through its app, amid an epidemic of digital sexual crimes in the country. The apology comes days after South Korean police announced an investigation into Telegram for allegedly “assisting” the distribution of such images.
In recent weeks, a large number of chatrooms on Telegram were found to have created pornographic “deepfakes” using manipulated photos of young women. Authorities said Telegram has since removed the videos from its platform.
In a statement to the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), Telegram called the situation “unfortunate” and apologized if there was “any element of misunderstanding.” Telegram also confirmed it had removed 25 videos at the KCSC’s request.
In its latest statement to the KCSC, Telegram also proposed a dedicated email address for future communications with the regulator. The KCSC described the company’s approach as “very forward-thinking” and said Telegram had “acknowledged the seriousness” of the situation.
Deepfakes are generated using artificial intelligence and often combine a person’s face with a fake body. The latest deepfake crisis has sparked outrage in South Korea after reporters discovered that police were investigating a deepfake pornography ring at two major universities in the country.
Police have received 118 reports of such videos in the past five days. Seven suspects, six of whom are teenagers, have been questioned by police in the past week. The chat groups are linked to schools and universities across the country, and many of their victims are students and teachers known to the perpetrators.
Also read: Moon Jae-in Becomes Suspect in Bribery Case, Allegedly Giving Son-in-Law Position at Airline
In South Korea, those found guilty of making pornographic deepfakes can be jailed for up to five years and fined up to 50 million won (US$37,500; £28,300).
The discovery in South Korea follows the arrest of Telegram’s Russian founder Pavel Durov in France on charges that child pornography, drug trafficking and fraud were running on the messaging app. Durov has since been charged.
On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol instructed authorities to “thoroughly investigate and deal with digital sexual crimes to eradicate them.” Women’s rights activists have accused South Korean authorities of allowing sexual harassment to occur on Telegram.
In 2019, it was discovered that a sex crime ring used the app to blackmail dozens of women and children into filming pornographic content. The ring’s leader, Cho Ju-bin, then 20, was sentenced to 42 years in prison. (BBC/Z-3)
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!Telegram Apologizes to South Korean Authorities Over Pornography Deepfake Case
Illustration – Telegram has apologized to South Korean authorities regarding the spread of pornographic deepfake content through its platform. (freepik)
Introduction
In a significant development amid a growing epidemic of digital sexual crimes, Telegram has publicly apologized to South Korean authorities for its role in the distribution of pornographic deepfake content on its platform. This incident has raised serious concerns about how social media platforms manage harmful content and the societal implications of deepfake technology. In this article, we will explore the details surrounding Telegram’s apology, the nature of deepfakes, and the legal ramifications in South Korea.
Background: The Deepfake Crisis
Deepfakes utilize artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic images and videos where a person’s likeness is manipulated or superimposed onto another body. This technology, while revolutionary, has also been exploited to create unsolicited and disturbing content, particularly in the realm of pornography.
The Surge in South Korea
Recently, South Korea has witnessed a notable increase in the creation and distribution of pornographic deepfakes, particularly targeting students and educators at various institutions. Reports have emerged revealing that numerous chat rooms on Telegram were utilized to share these manipulated images, prompting an investigation from local law enforcement.
According to South Korean police, they have received 118 reports of such videos within just five days and have already questioned several individuals linked to the case. Alarmingly, six of the suspects are teenagers, underscoring the pervasive and troubling nature of this digital crime.
Telegram’s Response
In response to the investigation, Telegram issued a statement to the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC). In it, Telegram described the situation as “unfortunate” and expressed regret over any misunderstanding. The company acknowledged the severity of the issue and confirmed the removal of 25 videos upon request from the KCSC.
Furthermore, Telegram proposed a dedicated email address to streamline future communications with South Korean regulators, an approach the KCSC described as “very forward-thinking.” This gesture indicates a commitment from the messaging platform to improve its oversight and collaborate with authorities in combating digital sexual crimes.
The Legal Landscape in South Korea
In South Korea, the legal consequences for creating and disseminating pornographic deepfakes can be severe. Offenders are subject to imprisonment for up to five years and hefty fines up to 50 million won (approximately USD 37,500 or GBP 28,300). These stringent laws highlight the country’s efforts to tackle the growing menace of digital sexual exploitation.
The Broader Implications of Deepfakes
The troubles faced by Telegram in South Korea are part of a larger global challenge regarding the use and abuse of deepfakes. As this technology continues to evolve, so too do the risks associated with its misuse. The consequences range from personal harm to violations of privacy, and they pose significant ethical questions about accountability and regulation in post-truth media landscapes.
Public Reaction and Calls for Action
The public outcry surrounding the deepfake crisis has prompted calls for more stringent regulations on social media platforms. Advocates argue for better monitoring systems and accountability measures to prevent the misuse of such technology. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue among technology companies, lawmakers, and society at large.
Conclusion
Telegram’s apology to South Korean authorities serves as a pivotal moment in recognizing the growing threat posed by pornographic deepfakes. As technology advances, so too does the responsibility of platforms like Telegram to protect their users from digital exploitation. The implications of this case reverberate beyond South Korea, urging a global reassessment of the strategies used to combat the digital risks associated with deepfake technology.
Stay Informed
As discussions around digital ethics and cybersecurity continue to evolve, it is crucial for individuals, communities, and organizations to stay informed about the implications of these technological advancements. Advocates for digital safety and policymakers must work together to establish clear guidelines that protect individuals while embracing the potential of innovative technologies.
By remaining vigilant and proactive, society can help mitigate the risks posed by nefarious uses of artificial intelligence like deepfakes and ensure a safer digital landscape for all.
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