South Korea launches probe against Telegram

South Korean authorities have initiated an investigation into Telegram to determine whether the encrypted messaging app has been involved in the distribution of sexually explicit deepfake content. 

The move follows significant public and political concern over deepfake pornography featuring South Korean women, which is reportedly prevalent in Telegram chatrooms, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The National Office of Investigation's cyber investigation bureau is leading the inquiry. This development expands upon earlier comments by Cho Ji-ho, commissioner of the National Policy Agency, who had indicated that secure messaging apps might face charges for abetting crimes.

South Korea has seen a surge in deepfake sex crime cases, with the number rising to 297 this year compared to 156 in 2021. The majority of victims and perpetrators are teenagers. The country is also pushing for stricter laws to criminalize the purchase and viewing of such content.

The investigation into Telegram coincides with a French probe into Pavel Durov, the platform’s founder, focusing on organized crime on the app. Telegram has stated it actively moderates harmful content, including illegal pornography.