South Korean police launched an investigation into Telegram due to deepfakes

South Korean police have launched an investigation into Telegram. The messenger is suspected of involvement in the distribution of explicit deepfakes involving Korean women. The inspection began after numerous complaints against the communications service and public outcry.

Image source: Copilot

As reported by Reuters, the investigation began amid complaints from citizens and outrage from politicians caused by a rise in the number of fake images and videos of an explicit sexual nature, which are created using deepfake technology. Local media reports that such content is often distributed in Telegram chats.

Earlier, the head of the National Police Agency, Cho Ji-ho, said that the agency is considering the possibility of prosecuting the owners of communication services that ensure the confidentiality of correspondence for aiding in the commission of crimes. It is worth noting that the investigation in South Korea coincided with an investigation in France against Telegram founder Pavel Durov, whose platform French authorities suspect of being used to organize malicious activities.

According to US privacy startup Security Hero, South Korea is the country most frequently targeted by deepfake attacks. According to the company’s report, 53% of those targeted by explicit content were South Korean singers and actresses. The country’s police say the number of reported cases of deepfake crimes has already reached 297 this year, up from 156 for all of 2021, when the data first began to be collected.

South Korean authorities intend to tighten legislation to make purchasing or viewing explicit deepfakes a criminal offense. In addition, the country’s media regulator turned to the French authorities with a request for cooperation in solving problems related to Telegram and assistance in establishing a direct dialogue with Pavel Durov’s company. At this time, the cybersecurity bureau of South Korea’s National Office of Investigation has declined to comment officially.