Let me imagine this scenario: “I,” who isn’t me appears in various media outlets, spreading fake news and slandering innocent people; or worse, I unknowingly star in a sexual exploitation video. Friends and acquaintances call me incessantly, asking if it's really “me.” I’m at a loss for words, utterly shocked. Such a situation might no longer be a mere figment of imagination. While we've been indifferent, deepfake technology has infiltrated our daily lives like a drug.

  Deepfake technology is now creating a "fake me" that appears more realistic than the real me. Deepfake (a portmanteau of “deep learning” and “fake”) refers to image synthesis technology based on artificial intelligence. Deep learning, a type of machine learning capable of recognizing complex patterns, can make connections similar to human thinking. It’s advanced computer technology that excels in functions like identifying objects in photos, recognizing voices, driving cars, or illustrating pictures.

  However, such impressive technology is being misused for generating fake news, committing fraud, and most concerning, for pornographic sexual exploitation, becoming a serious societal problem. Recently, this generative AI technology has made it easy to produce false pornographic videos, rapidly spreading digital sexual exploitation crimes that destroy the normal lives of ordinary individuals.

  In fact, the warning signs appeared years before the infamous Nth Room case at Seoul National University and the Inha University deepfake incident. However, the government's failure to immediately recognize the gravity of the situation allowed the problem to escalate.

  The issue is particularly grave because both perpetrators and victims are often teenagers, with women making up more than 90% of the targets in these pornographic crimes. A recent police report revealed that "around 75% of those caught are teenagers, and including those in their 20s, the percentage rises to about 95%." It added that "many offenders commit these crimes without any awareness of guilt or criminality, so we will be combining preventive education through school police officers."

  According to the legal community, even if a video was created as a prank, offenders face up to five years in prison or fines of up to 50 million won under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes. However, given the severity of deepfake sexual crimes, which degrade and destroy humanity, many argue that the current penalties are too lenient and that there is a need for stronger sentencing and effective law enforcement. In addition, there is a dominant opinion that stronger punishments are needed, as these crimes constitute severe character assassination that can drive victims to the point of making extreme choices.

  Fortunately, the government is now responding swiftly. Experts who participated in the "Deepfake Sexual Exploitation Video Response Forum" on September 12th put forward various suggestions and engaged in in-depth discussions on the issue.

  In a welcome development, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) has also begun taking action to address the problem. On August 28th, the MOGEF visited the Digital Sexual Crime Victim Support Center to review its operations and discussed preventive measures and victim support strategies amidst the growing deepfake sexual crime crisis. The center offers comprehensive services, including 365-day counseling for victims, assistance in removing illicit content, and connections to legal and investigative support. Since its inception in April 2018, the center has provided a total of 1.04 million services, assisting over 32,000 victims with content removal, investigation, legal, and medical support as of December 31st, 2023. 

  Kang Do-hyun, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), who visited the site, remarked, "Digital sexual crimes destroy victims' lives and threaten societal order, and they are unforgivable. As the MSIT holds a mission to create a safe digital society for all, we will collaborate with the MOGEF to prevent deepfake sexual crimes and swiftly support victims through technological development and new business initiatives."

  It is now urgent to establish institutional measures to ensure the positive use of deepfake technology while imposing severe penalties for malicious use, including the creation of fake news, fraud, and pornographic content. Additionally, there must be concurrent ethical education for teenagers, many of whom are becoming perpetrators without a sense of guilt, driven by social trends. For victims of digital sexual violence, it is crucial to convey that these incidents are the result of a flawed social structure and immoral adults, and "it is never your fault." Psychological counseling and healing must accompany these efforts.

   This is not a matter that can be left solely to psychologists or psychiatrists. Families, schools, and society as a whole must step up. We are not asking for grand gestures. Sometimes, simply offering a warm embrace to those who have been hurt can be enough to wipe away their unfair tears.