Why this happens

Open source deepfake tools require only a single clear facial photograph to produce convincing synthetic intimate content. Any public photo on social media or LinkedIn can be the source.

Targeted deepfake attacks frequently begin in private Telegram or Discord communities and spread to public sites within days. Early detection through biometric scanning is the only reliable way to find every copy.

Legal framework in South Korea

Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes article 14 (illegal filming) and 14-2 (deepfake intimate images, added 2020). Filming: up to 7 years imprisonment or fine up to KRW 50 million. Distribution for profit: up to 10 years. Deepfake intimate images: up to 5 years.

South Korea reformed its laws after the Nth Room case, adding article 14-2 in 2020 to specifically address deepfake intimate images. The Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center operates as a government funded removal service available to all victims at no cost.

Evidence to preserve

Do not: Do not amplify the content by responding publicly. Engagement increases visibility and may also be used by the perpetrator to claim consent or interaction.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Preserve all evidence first

    Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears. The username and account handle that posted the content.

  2. 2

    File the Sexual Violence Punishment Act article 14 and 14-2 criminal complaint

    Report to local police or the national cybercrime unit. Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit an erasure request under PIPA right to delete plus Information and Communications Network Act takedown procedures

    Each major platform has a designated data protection contact. The request must cite the legal basis and identify the URLs. The platform has 30 days to respond. PIPC accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every additional copy

    Content posted to one platform is rarely confined to one platform. ScanErase identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including mirror copies and AI generated variants.

  5. 5

    File TAKE IT DOWN Act notices for covered platforms

    Use your scan report to file the federal 48 hour notice yourself, in parallel with your domestic rights. The two regimes are cumulative, not exclusive.

Statutory citations to include in your complaint

Frequently asked questions

Is deepfake of me a crime in South Korea?

Yes. Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes article 14 (illegal filming) and 14-2 (deepfake intimate images, added 2020) criminalises this conduct. Filming: up to 7 years imprisonment or fine up to KRW 50 million. Distribution for profit: up to 10 years. Deepfake intimate images: up to 5 years.

What evidence should a South Korea victim of deepfake of me preserve?

Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears. The username and account handle that posted the content. Any source images credited or visibly used, which proves the deepfake derivation. The video or image file itself, downloaded for evidence preservation.

Does PIPA right to delete apply to this scenario?

Yes. PIPA right to delete plus Information and Communications Network Act takedown procedures gives the victim a direct erasure right against any platform processing the imagery. PIPC enforces non compliance.

What support is available in South Korea for deepfake of me?

Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center provides direct support to victims and can assist with both the criminal complaint and the platform removal process. Contact at https://d4u.stop.or.kr.

Can a South Korea victim also file a US TAKE IT DOWN Act notice?

Yes when the hosting platform is subject to US jurisdiction. The 48 hour federal removal obligation runs in parallel with rights under Sexual Violence Punishment Act article 14 and 14-2 and PIPA right to delete plus Information and Communications Network Act takedown procedures.

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