Why Telegram content spreads quickly

Telegram channels can carry tens of thousands of subscribers and are frequently used by NCII trading communities. Channel admins can mass forward content across linked groups in seconds.

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 Telegram regardless of where Telegram processes the data, where the data subject is in South Korea.

Telegram removal route

Telegram accepts abuse reports at abuse@telegram.org and through the in app report flow. Public channels are routinely actioned. Private groups require additional escalation through Apple and Google app store policy reports.

Telegram's 950 million monthly users place it well above the TAKE IT DOWN Act covered platform threshold. The FTC has explicit enforcement authority for non compliance and the app store route adds independent commercial leverage.

Evidence preservation specific to Telegram

Capture the channel handle, the message id, and the forwarded from chain. Telegram messages can be edited after posting, so screenshot before reporting and record the message timestamp from the message metadata.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Capture evidence from Telegram

    Capture the channel handle, the message id, and the forwarded from chain. Telegram messages can be edited after posting, so screenshot before reporting and record the message timestamp from the message metadata.

  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 Telegram

    Telegram accepts abuse reports at abuse@telegram.org and through the in app report flow. Public channels are routinely actioned. Private groups require additional escalation through Apple and Google app store policy 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 Telegram

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

Frequently asked questions

Can Telegram 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. Telegram accepts erasure requests through its general data protection contact. Where Telegram 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 Telegram 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 Telegram verify a South Korea erasure request?

Telegram accepts abuse reports at abuse@telegram.org and through the in app report flow. Public channels are routinely actioned. Private groups require additional escalation through Apple and Google app store policy reports. PIPC can be petitioned if Telegram fails to act within the statutory window.

Can the South Korea regulator force Telegram 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 Telegram?

Capture the channel handle, the message id, and the forwarded from chain. Telegram messages can be edited after posting, so screenshot before reporting and record the message timestamp from the message metadata.

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