South Korea investigates Telegram for aiding deepfake crimes

Telegram claims to use AI tools and user reports to remove millions of harmful pieces of content daily amid a police probe in South Korea.

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South Korean police have initiated an investigation into the messaging platform Telegram, probing its potential involvement in the spread of sexually explicit deepfake content. Authorities in South Korea are focusing on whether the platform may have facilitated the distribution of illegal material, following concerns raised by media reports.

The investigation comes amid increasing calls from South Korean officials for social media platforms to cooperate in combating deepfake crimes. Reports indicate that explicit deepfake images and videos of South Korean women have frequently appeared in Telegram chatrooms.

Telegram responded by stating that it moderates harmful content on its platform through AI tools, proactive monitoring, and user reports. The company said millions of pieces of harmful content are removed each day.

South Korean authorities are determined to address the issue, with heightened efforts underway to fight the rising number of deepfake crimes, which have caused widespread alarm across the country.