South Korea cracks down on Telegram for deepfake role

South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into Telegram to examine whether the encrypted messaging app was involved in the distribution of sexually explicit deepfake content, according to Yonhap news agency. The move follows widespread public and political outrage over the spread of deepfake digital pornography, particularly involving South Korean women.

A key aspect of the investigation, according to local media reports, is Telegram's role in providing such content in its chatrooms. This comes after National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Ji-ho mentioned that they were considering charging secure messaging apps with aiding and abetting crimes. The urgency of the action is underscored by a rise in the number of deepfake sex crimes: police have registered 297 cases so far this year.

At the same time, Telegram founder Pavel Durov is being investigated in France for organized crime on the platform. Although Telegram claims to actively moderate harmful content, South Korea has sought French cooperation in resolving Telegram-related issues. The South Korean government is also seeking stricter laws criminalizing the purchase or viewing of sexually exploitative deepfakes.

(With contributions from agencies.)