Severe harmDeepfake Image-Based Sexual AbuseAugust 2024, ongoingSouth Korea

South Korea Deepfake Sex Abuse Crisis

In August 2024, journalists and activists exposed hundreds of Telegram channels where male students at Korean schools and universities uploaded AI-generated sexually explicit images of female classmates, teachers, family members, and soldiers. One channel had 220,000+ subscribers. Police recorded 297 deepfake cases in first 7 months of 2024 (vs. 180 in all 2023); 74% of suspects were 10-19 years old.

AI system:Various AI image generators distributed via Telegram

Impact

National protests. President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered investigation. Seoul Central District Court sentenced a 40-year-old Seoul National University graduate to 10 years in prison October 2024. By early 2025, 682 suspects arrested.

Outcome

South Korea amended Sexual Violence Punishment Act to stiffen deepfake penalties including for mere possession. Telegram pledged cooperation with Korean regulators. Pavel Durov's August 2024 France arrest coincided with the scandal.

Sources

  1. Source 1NPRwww.npr.org/2024/09/06/nx-s1-5101891/south-korea-deepfake
  2. Source 2NBC News / Reuterswww.nbcnews.com/news/world/south-korea-vows-tougher-stance-outcry-sexual-deepfakes-telegram-rcna168361
  3. Source 3Business & Human Rights Resource Centrewww.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/s-korea-10-year-sentence-for-telegram-deepfake-crime-against-female-university-students/

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