South Korea Intensifies Probe into Telegram’s Role in Deepfake Pornography Surge

• South Korea intensifies probe into Telegram’s role in deepfake pornography amid rising cases.
• Telegram’s $400M crypto holding under scrutiny as platform faces global regulation challenges.
• Global collaboration grows as South Korea and France investigate Pavel Durov for criminal facilitation.

South Korean authorities have intensified their scrutiny of Telegram, a widely used encrypted messaging platform, to investigate its potential role in the proliferation of deepfake pornography.

The investigation follows heightened public and political concern over the surge in digitally manipulated sexually explicit content, predominantly targeting South Korean women. 

This probe coincides with the recent arrest and subsequent release of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, which has fueled criticism from the cryptocurrency community regarding the platform’s operations.

Telegram’s significant involvement in the cryptocurrency sector has placed it under a dual lens of examination. A report revealed that by the end of 2023, Telegram held approximately $400 million in digital assets. 

This substantial holding has shown the integration of cryptocurrencies within the platform’s ecosystem, raising questions about its regulation and influence on the spread of illicit content. The National Office of Investigation, supported by the Cyber Investigation Bureau, spearheads the inquiry, although the latter has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation.

In response to the alarming rise of deepfake pornography within Telegram chatrooms, South Korean authorities have pledged to bolster efforts against these digital sex crimes. This commitment aligns with broader international actions, including a parallel investigation by French authorities into Pavel Durov. 

The French inquiry explores allegations of his involvement in facilitating organized crime through Telegram. South Korea’s media regulator has also sought increased collaboration with French authorities to address these concerns more effectively.

A report by the U.S.-based identity theft protection firm, Security Hero, highlights that over half of the individuals depicted in deepfake pornography are South Korean artists and actresses. The South Korean police have reported a sharp increase in deepfake sex crime cases, with 297 incidents under investigation this year alone, compared to 156 cases in 2021. 

In response, the South Korean government is contemplating stricter legal measures that would criminalize the production and consumption of such content.

The outcome of the investigation into Telegram could have far-reaching implications for global standards on regulating encrypted messaging platforms, particularly in curbing digital sexual exploitation. Pavel Durov, who was recently released from French police custody, remains under investigation and cannot leave the country’s jurisdiction.