A new law targets deepfake pornography in South Korea, but lenient sentencing and the scale of the problem raise serious concerns.
South Korea is facing a serious issue with deepfake pornography, which is not just a minor problem but a widespread threat that is damaging lives and revealing deep social issues.
A woman who has been dealing with the trauma of non-consensual deepfake images for three years is a clear example of the harm caused.
The ease with which these manipulated images can be created and shared has led to a surge in digital sexual violence.
The government has recently made it illegal to own or view deepfake pornography, which is a step in the right direction.
However, the problem is still huge and has a severe impact on victims.
Most of the people involved are young boys who target women, including minors, often driven by a mix of curiosity, dislike of women, and a feeling that they can get away with it.
This issue highlights the need for better education, stricter online safety rules for children, and a change in the culture that supports misogyny.
The exposure of lists of victims from schools has sparked public outrage, leading to protests and calls for stronger action.
The government has acknowledged the problem and launched a police operation that has resulted in hundreds of arrests, including many teenagers.
Even international platforms like Telegram are being held accountable.
In South Korea, deepfake porn wrecks women's lives and deepens gender conflict https://t.co/VoE1wqd4kg
— WRAL NEWS in NC (@WRAL) October 3, 2024
However, experts warn that the official numbers don’t fully capture the problem.
South Korea is being targeted more than any other country for deepfake pornography, with female celebrities and public figures being hit the hardest.
This is due to a combination of factors, including the widespread use of smartphones, poor sex education, weak online safety rules for children, and a culture that supports misogyny.
The legal system is struggling to deal with the issue, with punishments often being too lenient.
This is because there is a lack of understanding about the deep and lasting impact of these digital attacks, and not enough data is available to fully understand the extent of the problem.
The crisis shows a bigger problem with how men and women are treated and power is shared in South Korea.
Deepfakes are not just a tech issue, but a problem that needs to be fixed by everyone, including lawmakers and teachers.
The fear and distrust of young women like Kim Haeun and Kim Chae-won show that we need big changes, not just laws, to stop this harmful problem.