South Korea passes bill to criminalise watching, possessing sexually explicit deepfakes

In a groundbreaking move, South Korea's lawmakers have passed a bill making it illegal to possess or watch sexually explicit deepfake images and videos. This comes after widespread outrage over Telegram group chats creating and sharing illegal deepfakes, prompting calls for tougher punishment. Under the new law, purchasing, saving, or watching such material can lead to up to three years in jail or a fine of 30 million won, approximately $22,600. Currently, making explicit deepfakes carries a five-year prison sentence or a 50 million won fine. The new law increases the maximum sentence to seven years. South Korean police have handled over 800 deepfake sex crime cases this year alone, with most victims and offenders being teenagers. The bill now awaits President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval.