Telegram Deletes And Apologizes For Deepfake Porn—But Koreans Are Far From Impressed

Amid the deeply concerning scandal over deepfake porn—impacting both non-celebrities and celebrities alike, Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) received an email from Telegram‘s East Asia representative apologizing for the “illicit content on the platform.”

200+ Female Idols Found In Deepfake Porn, Netizens Disgusted

On September 3, 2024 (KST), South Korean news outlets reported that Telegram had complied with the KCSC’s request to remove certain deepfake pornographic content on the platform. In an official email, Telegram is also reported to have apologized “for miscommunication regarding the issue and shared an exclusive email address for future communication.”

QWZ6NZZSTRJMRKE4FWTEJUIGKM — | *Chosun Ilbo*

While a small win, the news has not impressed Koreans battling the growing digital sex crime plaguing the nation. According to the email, Telegram confirmed having removed “25 pieces of sexual exploitation content” from its platform. Koreans are scoffing at this “insignificant” number and calling out both Telegram and KCSC for “putting on a show” to avoid further involvement and/or potential penalization.

Screenshot 2024-09-03 at 2.13.42 PM — | *theqoo*

“We don’t need apologies. Perpetrators need to be punished, including Telegram itself. We know the apologies are fake and for avoiding further involvement.”
“25? Are they serious?”
“Yeah, delete them. But don’t stop there. Give us the identities of the people who shared them.”
“Shut the f*ck up, like seriously.”
“Oh, so they want us to take this as a win and shut up, huh? A whopping 25 cases?”
“…? Not what we’re asking for. Reveal the identities and get them punished. WTF?”
“25 is hilarious. We’re not asking for deletion only. We want the identities of the people who shared them.”
“Are they for real? LOL.”
“Stop f*cking around and give us the names.”
“Not even 2.5K? Just 25? Ha…!”
“25 cases… Who are they kidding? There’s probably 2.5M cases on that platform.”

In the meantime, KCSC said it requested Telegram to install a hotline with South Korean authorities to better respond to illicit content on the platform.

We wish to strengthen cooperation with Telegram by securing a hotline, starting with the exclusive email address, to resolve the circulation of deepfake sexual exploitation content and ultimately eradicate digital sex crime.

— KCSC

Read more about Telegram CEO Pavel Durov‘s arrest here.