Telegram pledges stern action against illegal content

By Kim Dong-young Posted : September 30, 2024, 12:08 Updated : September 30, 2024, 12:08
A logo of Telegram the discrete online messenger AFP-Yonhap
Logo of Telegram. AFP-Yonhap
SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Messaging app service Telegram has promised to take stern action against illegal content on its platform, South Korea's Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) said Monday.

The telecom regulator and Telegram held their first face-to-face talks on Friday following a massive deepfake porn scandal involving Telegram in August.

KCSC Chairman Ryu Hee-lim said Telegram has committed to a zero-tolerance approach to crimes and agreed to cooperate in cracking down on digital sex crimes, sex trade, drugs, gambling and other illicit activities.

Telegram also promised to comply with the Korean content review authority's requests to address illegal content.

The platform promised to strengthen its ongoing cooperation with the KCSC by establishing an additional hotline for communication and holding regular working-level meetings.

"Securing hotlines with Telegram was crucial in our comprehensive measures, given the closed nature of deepfake sex crimes," Ryu said.

"We will enhance international cooperation to eliminate illegal and harmful information and create an environment where overseas platform operators like Telegram can comply with domestic laws and fulfill their social responsibilities,” he added.

Telegram came under scrutiny in Korea in August after reports and a police investigation uncovered deepfake pornographic content targeting women and underage students. 

Police subsequently launched a preliminary investigation into Telegram on charges of abetting the crimes.
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기