Deepfakes, digitally manipulated videos showing people performing actions they never actually did, have become a tool of abuse in South Korea. 

This phenomenon has grown to such an extent that many women are becoming victims of this type of digital violence. Violence where their faces are superimposed on explicit videos without their consent. 

Deepfakes and digital violence: a new threat in South Korea

The proliferation of sexual deepfakes in South Korea has sparked a wave of outrage. Putting the need for greater protection for women in the digital sphere at the centre of the debate. Teenagers and young adults are using artificial intelligence to create fake, sexually explicit images of their female classmates.  After that, they distribute them through platforms such as Telegram.

This practice, which has spread rapidly through many schools, has created a deep sense of insecurity among South Korean women. The ease with which they create and share such fake content makes deepfakes an increasingly common tool for harassment and abuse.

Read also: Deepfake pornography explosion

A problem that is systemic

The South Korean authorities have been slow to react to this problem, despite numerous complaints from victims and women’s groups. However, growing social pressure has forced the government to take measures to combat this phenomenon. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the investigation of digital sex crimes, recognising the seriousness of the threat.

The Korea Communications Standards Commission has also announced measures to counter the spread of sexual deepfakes. That proves that the government is becoming aware of the urgency of addressing this problem.

Government measures

In light of the seriousness of the situation, the South Korean government has announced a series of measures. These include the creation of a task force to investigate these crimes and the implementation of new technologies to detect and remove this type of content. 

In addition, they are carrying out awareness-raising campaigns to raise public awareness of the risks of sexual deepfakes and the importance of reporting them.

The role of digital platforms and the need for further regulation

Telegram has been identified as the main platform used for the dissemination of such illicit content. The encrypted messaging app has been repeatedly criticised for its inability to control abuse of its services. 

A call for global action

The sex deepfake crisis in South Korea is not an isolated problem, but a global challenge affecting many countries. The ease with which such content can be created and disseminated raises serious questions about the need to develop new tools to protect users.

It is imperative that governments, digital platforms, and civil society work together to create a safe and respectful digital environment for all. Protecting the privacy and integrity of individuals must be a priority in the digital age.