Deepfake Pornography Targets Minors in South Korea: Nearly 60%of Victims Under 18
Seoul, South Korea – A disturbingtrend has emerged in South Korea, with nearly 60% of victims of deepfake pornography cases over the past three years being minors, according to data releasedby Yonhap News Agency. The alarming figures highlight the growing vulnerability of young people to this form of abuse, fueled by the increasing accessibility of deepfake technology.
The data, obtained by Yang Boo-nam, a lawmaker from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, from the National Police Agency, revealed that between 2021 and 2023, a total of 527 people reported being victims of deepfake pornography. Of those, 315 were minors, representing a staggering 59.8% of the total. This figure significantly surpasses the percentage of victims in other age groups, with32.1% being between 20 and 29 years old, 5.3% between 30 and 39, and only 1.1% between 40 and 49.
The percentage of underage victims has fluctuated over the past three years, decliningslightly from 64.6% in 2021 to 52.9% in 2022, before rising again to 62% in 2023. This suggests a persistent and concerning trend of young people becoming increasingly targeted by perpetrators.
The rise in deepfake pornography cases involving minors is attributed, in part, to the ease with which deepfake technology can be used to create realistic, yet fabricated, videos. This accessibility has made it easier for perpetrators, including minors themselves, to create and distribute such content.
The data also revealed a disturbing trend among perpetrators. The percentageof those aged 10 to 19 who were investigated for creating deepfake pornography has increased significantly, rising from 65.4% in 2021 to 61.2% in 2022, before surging to 75.8% in 2023. This trend continued into the first seven months of 2024, with 73.6% of perpetrators in this age group.
The alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for greater awareness, education, and stricter regulations to combat the spread of deepfake pornography, particularly among minors. The South Koreangovernment has already taken steps to address the issue, including increasing penalties for deepfake-related crimes and launching public awareness campaigns.
However, experts warn that more needs to be done. They emphasize the importance of educating young people about the dangers of deepfake technology, promoting responsible online behavior, and fostering a culture of respectand consent.
The ease with which deepfake technology can be used to create and distribute harmful content poses a significant challenge to online safety. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for governments, law enforcement agencies, and social media platforms to work together to develop effective strategies to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly minors,from the devastating consequences of deepfake pornography.
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