TELEGRAM APPOINTS CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER TO TACKLE EXPLOITATIVE MATERIALS: S. KOREAN REGULATOR

SEOUL, Nov 19 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- The global messaging service Telegram has appointed an officer in charge of protecting underage users from illicit content amid criticism over its passive response to sexually exploitative materials circulating on the platform, South Korea's media regulator said on Tuesday, according to Yonhap news agency.

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) said Telegram appointed the officer and set up an email account as a hotline at its request. The KCC did not provide further details about the child protection officer.

According to the KCC, Telegram has also vowed to take a stern action against the distribution of illicit content and copyright violations on its platform.

The move came after the government announced earlier this month its plan to strengthen regulations on both domestic and foreign platform operators, following a series of incidents involving pornography targeting young women on Telegram, which has sparked public outrage.

The number of deepfake sex crime cases reported to the police increased more than fourfold, reaching 964 cases as of October this year, compared to 180 cases in all of 2023.

In September, Telegram set up a hotline with South Korea's police and the Korea Communications Standards Commission.

"Telegram has garnered a big user base and brand awareness in South Korea, and for the platform to continue its growth here, it should build trust with the community and its users," Kim Tae-kyu, acting chief of the KCC, said in a press release.

"As Telegram has pledged, we hope it fulfils its social responsibility by actively preventing deepfake pornography and other illicit content from circulating on its service."

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP