Seoul: In a significant operation against deepfake-related sex crimes, South Korean police have arrested 474 individuals this year, with teenagers making up over 80 percent of the suspects, the National Police Agency (NPA) reported on Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Police Agency also disclosed that it had received 921 reports of crimes involving deepfakes from January until the current week. The arrests come amid an ongoing national effort to curb the misuse of deepfake technology, which has seen a sharp rise in reported incidents. The intensified crackdown began in late August after several high-profile cases garnered widespread media attention.
The data revealed that a high number of the suspects, 80.4 percent or 381 individuals, were teenagers. Additionally, minors aged between 10 to 14 years, who are exempt from criminal liability, constituted 15 percent or 71 of the total suspects apprehended. Adults in their 20s accounted for 15.8 percent or 75 individuals, while older age gr
oups had significantly fewer suspects involved.
The surge in cases led to a strategic police response, including the case in Busan where two individuals were recently detained and referred for prosecution. They were charged with creating and disseminating illegal sexual videos of 11 acquaintances using deepfake technology over a period of one year and sharing these on the messaging app Telegram.
The National Police Agency has announced that the drive against deepfake-related sex crimes will continue with vigor until March 31, 2025, indicating a long-term commitment to eradicating this digital menace.