South Korea Investigates Telegram Over AI-Generated Deepfake Sex Crimes

Sep 2, 2024, 04:00 AM

South Korea has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the messaging platform Telegram over its alleged involvement in deepfake online sex crimes. The move comes amid rising concerns about the distribution of AI-generated explicit content, including images of teenagers, through encrypted chatrooms. South Korean authorities are urging Telegram, along with other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, to cooperate in tackling these digital sex crimes. The government plans to establish a 24-hour victim hotline and double the number of regulators to 140. Additionally, South Korea is seeking tougher punishments for those involved in creating and distributing deepfake content. This investigation follows the arrest of Telegram's CEO in France and reports of university students running illegal chatrooms.