Republic of Korea: Closed Communications Commission investigation into distribution of deepfake sexual abuse materials as Telegram appointed Youth Protection Officer

On 19 November 2024, the Korean Communications Commission (KCC) announced that Telegram had complied with its request to address the distribution of illegal content, including deepfake sexual abuse materials on its platform. Following this request on 7 November 2024, Telegram appointed a designated Youth Protection Manager on 9 November 2024 and provided a hotline email for administrative communication. Telegram stated its intention to manage illegal content on its platform and cooperate closely with the KCC. The KCC will collaborate with the newly appointed Youth Protection Manager to develop measures for blocking and managing harmful content for youth on the platform. In doing so, it aims to ensure compliance with the guidelines contained in the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilisation and Information Protection.