This article details the devastating impact of AI-generated deepfake pornography on victims in South Korea. The use of readily available AI tools allows perpetrators to create non-consensual explicit content, targeting individuals even without prior nude photos. The article highlights the case of Ruma, a university student whose life was shattered after her image was used in deepfake pornographic content shared online.
South Korea has a history of digital sex crimes, and deepfakes pose a new, significant threat, particularly in schools. The government has responded by increasing prison sentences for creating and distributing deepfake porn and establishing a task force. However, arrests remain low compared to the number of reported cases, indicating challenges in investigation and prosecution.
Despite legal changes, the lack of effective law enforcement and difficulties in obtaining user data from platforms like Telegram hinder effective prosecutions. Victims often resort to their own investigations, as seen in Ruma's case, where she and fellow students worked with an activist to bring perpetrators to justice, leading to significant prison sentences for the offenders.
The article also highlights the lack of societal empathy surrounding deepfake crimes. Victims experience significant psychological trauma, leading to drastic life changes and a loss of trust in society. One teacher, Kim, whose image was also used without consent in a deepfake video, speaks on how the lack of empathy from the public makes healing more difficult. The article also raises concerns about the response of online platforms, specifically Telegram, in addressing these issues. While Telegram has pledged to cooperate with authorities and remove illegal content, the company's history and commitment to user privacy remain a concern. Overall, the article shows that while legislative and law enforcement efforts are increasing, significant challenges remain in combating deepfake pornography and supporting victims in South Korea.