South Korea passes bill to criminalize watching or possessing sexually explicit deepfakes

South Korean lawmakers have passed a bill that makes it illegal to possess or watch sexually explicit deepfake images and videos, with penalties including prison sentences and fines.

The move follows public outrage over Telegram group chats where such illegal deepfakes were created and widely shared, sparking calls for tougher punishment.

Under the bill, anyone found purchasing, saving, or watching these materials could be sentenced to up to three years in prison or fined up to 30 million won (HK$172,800).

Currently, creating sexually explicit deepfakes with the intent to distribute them is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of 50 million won (HK$290,000) under the Sexual Violence Prevention and Victims Protection Act. Once the new bill is enacted, the maximum sentence for these offenses will increase to seven years, regardless of intent to distribute.

The bill now awaits the approval of President Yoon Suk Yeol before it can be officially enacted.

(Source: Reuters)

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