Why Discord content spreads quickly

Discord servers can host private NCII trading communities behind invite walls. Server bots can mass post images across channels, and image links survive even when messages are deleted because of CDN caching.

South Korea legal framework

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.

The civil erasure right under PIPA right to delete plus Information and Communications Network Act takedown procedures is enforceable against Discord regardless of where Discord processes the data, where the data subject is in South Korea.

Discord removal route

Discord accepts NCII reports through its Trust and Safety form and through its DMCA agent. Server level reports are processed faster than direct message reports.

Discord is a covered platform under 47 USC 223a. Server owners have independent legal exposure under state NCII statutes for permitting distribution. This dual exposure routinely produces faster server level enforcement.

Evidence preservation specific to Discord

Capture the server name, the channel id, and the message link including the discord.com path. Discord retains content on its CDN at cdn.discordapp.com even after message deletion. Report both the message and the CDN URL.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Capture evidence from Discord

    Capture the server name, the channel id, and the message link including the discord.com path. Discord retains content on its CDN at cdn.discordapp.com even after message deletion. Report both the message and the CDN URL.

  2. 2

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

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

  3. 3

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

    Discord accepts NCII reports through its Trust and Safety form and through its DMCA agent. Server level reports are processed faster than direct message reports. The request must identify the URLs and cite the legal basis. PIPC accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every other hosting location

    Content rarely stays on one platform. ScanErase identifies every current location in a single scan including mirrored copies and AI generated variants of the same image.

  5. 5

    Dispatch parallel TAKE IT DOWN Act notice to Discord

    Discord is a covered platform with a 48 hour federal removal obligation. ScanErase files the notice within 5 minutes of authorisation.

Frequently asked questions

Can Discord be required to remove intimate images of a South Korea resident?

Yes. PIPA right to delete plus Information and Communications Network Act takedown procedures gives any data subject in South Korea the right to require erasure. Discord operates a dedicated NCII removal portal that processes these requests. Where Discord is also subject to US jurisdiction, the TAKE IT DOWN Act adds a 48 hour federal obligation.

What is the criminal exposure of the person who posted to Discord from 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.

How does Discord verify a South Korea erasure request?

Discord accepts NCII reports through its Trust and Safety form and through its DMCA agent. Server level reports are processed faster than direct message reports. PIPC can be petitioned if Discord fails to act within the statutory window.

Can the South Korea regulator force Discord to remove content?

The Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center provides government funded removal assistance and operates a 24 hour intake. KCSC can order ICN providers to take down material.

What evidence should I capture from Discord?

Capture the server name, the channel id, and the message link including the discord.com path. Discord retains content on its CDN at cdn.discordapp.com even after message deletion. Report both the message and the CDN URL.

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