Telegram to delete deepfakes targeting South Koreans

Telegram has vowed to delete sexually explicit deepfake content targeting Korean people as the Dubai-based messaging company moves to bolster cooperation with the South Korean government.

Speaking to The Korea Times recently, Telegram spokesperson Remi Vaughn vowed a “zero-tolerance” policy against any illegal content and said it would join the Korean government’s efforts to protect the victims.

“Telegram has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal pornography and moderators remove it whenever it is discovered,” Vaughn said in a Telegram message. “If you have discovered any such content in your reporting, I would greatly appreciate it if you shared links with me so moderators can investigate.”

Vaughn also said Telegram is cooperating with the government by setting up a hotline and providing officials with the contact details of its designated managers.

This comes as the Korea Communications Commission, the country’s media regulation agency, is urging the company to strengthen its monitoring of such content.

In a statement released at a press briefing on Tuesday, Kim Tae-gyu, the acting chairperson of the organisation, said Telegram should “be more responsible” in managing what is shared on its platform, especially amid increasing concerns over sexually explicit deepfake content targeting women, including minors.