South Korea has recently joined the global scrutiny on Telegram as authorities investigate the platform for alleged involvement in illicit content dissemination, specifically related to deepfake sex crimes. With South Korea collaborating with French investigators and international bodies to address challenges in accessing user data, the case underscores the importance of combating online criminal activities. This development highlights the evolving landscape of online regulation and enforcement globally.

In a recent turn of events, South Korea has entered the fray in the ongoing international investigations into Telegram Messenger. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has initiated a preliminary probe into Telegram over accusations of facilitating deepfake sex crimes. The investigation, echoing similar steps taken by France, signifies a growing concern over illicit activities in cyberspace.


Woo Jong-soo, the head of South Korea’s National Office of Investigation, expressed the challenges faced in obtaining critical information from Telegram for the investigation. Despite this hurdle, South Korean authorities plan to collaborate with counterparts in France and global investigators to navigate this issue effectively.


This move by South Korea marks the first time local law enforcement has launched an investigation into Telegram's corporate entity. The backdrop to this inquiry is South Korea's intensified efforts to combat online sex crimes, calling for a thorough investigation to eradicate such practices. Recent local investigations uncovered a Telegram group chat with 1,200 members sharing explicit computer-generated content, prompting swift action from authorities.


Telegram's response to South Korea's requests has been noteworthy, with the platform promptly complying by removing illicit deepfake content. The Korea Communications Standards Commission commended Telegram's cooperation and requested the establishment of a hotline to streamline further communication on addressing objectionable content.


Despite South Korea not being among Telegram's largest user bases, with approximately three million monthly active users as of April 2024, the country's initiative demonstrates a commitment to upholding regulatory standards and protecting its citizens from online harms. Statista data indicate that Telegram holds the third spot as the most popular messaging app in South Korea, behind local favorites KakaoTalk and Instagram.


The South Korean investigation follows the arrest of Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov in France on charges related to facilitating illicit activities and disseminating inappropriate content. This development is part of a broader global crackdown on Telegram, with India and Indonesia also initiating actions to address content moderation concerns.


The European Union has been investigating Telegram for potential discrepancies in user data reporting, further highlighting the platform's regulatory challenges worldwide. This collective effort to hold platforms like Telegram accountable underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and safety in online spaces.


The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding online platforms and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard users. As South Korea adds its weight to the global efforts against illicit online activities, the implications for online security and content moderation continue to evolve, shaping the future of online interactions in the digital age.


(Helen Partz, Cointelegraph, 2024)