Authorities in South Korea have initiated an investigation into Telegram, focusing on the platform’s possible involvement in deepfake sex crimes. The initiative comes after the arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, in France. Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is examining the service’s role in spreading digitally altered images that blend real people’s faces with nude bodies.
International Cooperation
Woo Jong-soo, head of South Korea’s National Office of Investigation, confirmed that South Korean law enforcement would collaborate with their French counterparts and other international bodies in this probe. Telegram has faced global criticism for its reluctance to provide investigative data, including account information, to various law enforcement agencies, such as those in the United States.
Durov’s arrest coincided with a surge in deepfake sex crime reports in South Korea. Last week, 88 cases were reported, implicating 24 suspects between Monday and Thursday. Authorities are also looking into eight automated programs designed to create deepfakes, as well as several groups disseminating this illicit content.
French authorities have formerly charged Durov with multiple severe offenses, including complicity in crimes involving child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and unauthorized encrypted technologies. The investigation cites 12 criminal violations tied to Durov, sparking debate about how responsible executives are for the platforms they run.
Telegram’s Potential Challenges
The investigation in Korea brings to light the complications Telegram faces due to its permissiveness in content moderation. The platform may have to implement stricter policies, consider a change in ownership, or face the possibility of shutting down. Although outcomes remain uncertain, it is clear that Telegram may need to adjust its operational strategies significantly.
Deepfake technology enables the creation of highly realistic yet fraudulent images and videos, posing serious risks to personal reputations. Damage from even one believing in a deepfake can lead to harmful rumors and misinformation. The scrutiny on Telegram highlights broader concerns about how tech platforms manage harmful content and their cooperation with law enforcement.
South Korean authorities are still in the preliminary stages of their investigation. It’s the first occasion South Korean authorities have scrutinized Telegram’s corporate entity. The deepfake material mainly targets young women, including teens.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:00 pm CET
