Government plans to penalize production, possession of deepfake content

The government on Friday announced plans to establish new regulations penalizing the possession, purchase and viewing of deepfake videos. It also plans to amend existing laws to increase penalties for producing and distributing deepfake content.

A police officer holds an education session on preventing deepfake sex crimes at a middle school in Daegu on Friday. [YONHAP]

The government on Friday announced plans to establish new regulations penalizing the possession, purchase and viewing of deepfake videos. It also decided to amend existing laws to increase penalties for those who produce and distribute deepfake content.

The announcement came as the country held its first governmental meeting to address the surge in deepfake digital sex crimes in Korea.

According to the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Ministry of Science and ICT, along with the Korea Communications Commission, will work together to prevent the production and distribution of deepfake videos and to ensure that such illegal content is promptly removed.

Additionally, the government plans to create a unified reporting channel for such content, consolidating the current methods used by each ministry.

Given the rapid spread of these crimes among teenagers and in schools, the Office for Government Policy Coordination said that the Ministry of Education will develop and implement measures in schools to raise awareness among students.

Support measures for victims of deepfake digital sex crimes, including consultations and legal assistance, will also be reviewed.

The government aims to finalize comprehensive measures by October.

Police have been cracking down on deepfake sex crimes since Wednesday, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s order to “eradicate” such crimes. Prosecutors and police are reviewing ways to strengthen investigative resources and expand undercover operations.

The government is also considering whether additional legislation is needed, such as expanding the scope of undercover investigations, and will collaborate with the National Assembly to swiftly enact the necessary laws.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]