South Korea: 3-year jail, $22,600 fine for watching explicit deepfakes
South Korea has approved a bill that makes it illegal to possess or view sexually explicit deepfake content. The move comes in response to public outrage over the widespread sharing of such material on Telegram group chats. Violators of this new law could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 30 million ($22,600).
Existing laws and future implications
Currently, the production of sexually explicit deepfakes for distribution purposes is punishable under the Sexual Violence Prevention and Victims Protection Act. Offenders can face up to five years in prison or a fine of KRW 50 million ($37,900). However, once this new bill comes into effect, the maximum sentence for such offenses will increase to seven years irrespective of intent. The bill is now awaiting President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval before it becomes law.
Explicit deepfake crimes on the rise
South Korean authorities have reported a significant increase in deepfake sex crime cases this year, with over 800 incidents already recorded. This figure marks a substantial rise from the 156 cases reported in all of 2021, when data collection first began. The majority of both victims and perpetrators involved in these crimes are teenagers, according to police reports.
Investigation into Telegram's role in distribution
South Korean police have initiated an investigation into Telegram to determine if the encrypted messaging app has played a role in disseminating sexually explicit deepfake content. This inquiry comes as part of the broader effort to combat the rising trend of deepfake sex crimes in the country. The issue is not confined to South Korea, as nations worldwide are struggling with how to address the spread of deepfake material.
