South Korean police are investigating Telegram for allegedly facilitating deepfake sex crimes. They plan to work with French investigators following the detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France for similar investigations. “Telegram does not readily provide investigation data, such as account information, to us or other state investigative bodies, including those in the U.S.,” said the head of South Korea’s National Office of Investigation.
South Korea Investigates Telegram Over Deepfake Crime Allegations
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South Korean Police Investigate Telegram Over Deepfake Sex Crimes
On Monday, South Korean police began an initial investigation into Telegram, a messaging platform, due to suspicions of its involvement in deepfake sex crimes, Yonhap News Agency reported. This action is part of the country’s broader efforts to combat the spread of deepfake pornography targeting young women, including teenagers.
Woo Jong-soo, head of the National Office of Investigation, explained, “As France has done, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency launched an internal investigation into the corporate entity of Telegram before officially booking it.” Referring to Telegram’s possible role in facilitating deepfake videos, he noted:
The charges are about abetting this crime.
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France and released on bail of around $5.5 million. He faces charges including spreading child abuse images and drug trafficking. Durov is under judicial supervision and cannot leave France; he must report to a police station twice weekly. The charges stem from allegations that Telegram failed to comply with law enforcement requests, raising concerns about content moderation and online safety
This inquiry marks the first by South Korean police into Telegram’s corporate structure. Woo acknowledged the obstacles faced in pursuing the investigation, stating:
Telegram does not readily provide investigation data, such as account information, to us or other state investigative bodies, including those in the U.S.
South Korean authorities plan to collaborate with French investigators and international bodies. So far, police have reported 88 cases of deepfake sex crimes, with 24 suspects identified. Several automated programs creating deepfake content and group chats circulating such material on Telegram are also being examined.
What do you think about South Korea’s investigation into Telegram’s role in deepfake crimes? Let us know in the comments section below.
