The National Assembly of South Korea is set to vote on a crucial bill aimed at enhancing penalties for deepfake sex crimes, following a favorable review by the Gender Equality and Family Committee. This legislative effort comes in response to the growing concern over the misuse of deepfake technology to exploit individuals, particularly minors. The proposed amendments to both the Juvenile Protection Act and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Victims Protection Act reflect a commitment to strengthening legal protections against such crimes.
Under the amendments to the Juvenile Protection Act, those who use sexually exploitative material to blackmail or coerce minors would face significantly increased prison sentences. Currently, the law prescribes a minimum of one year for blackmail and three years for coercion. However, the new provisions would raise these minimum sentences to three and five years, respectively, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward offenses targeting vulnerable populations.
In addition to stricter penalties, the bill grants police officials the authority to conduct urgent undercover investigations into digital sex crimes involving deepfakes without needing prior approval from higher authorities. This change is intended to expedite law enforcement responses and enhance the efficacy of investigations, addressing the urgent need for action in an area where technology often outpaces legal frameworks.
The revised legislation also emphasizes the government’s responsibility to assist victims by establishing support centers for those affected by digital sex crimes. The government will be tasked with deleting illegally filmed materials and providing resources to help victims regain control over their lives. With the vote scheduled for Thursday, these measures reflect a significant step toward addressing the serious issues surrounding deepfake technology and its potential for abuse in South Korea.
