SM Entertainment has announced a firm stance against deepfake crimes targeting its artists.
On the 10th, SM Entertainment stated in a press release, “We are taking legal action against acts that cause significant harm to the personal lives of our artists, including the spread of false information, defamation, sexual harassment, deepfakes, personal attacks, insults, and invasion of privacy.”
SM described the illegal production, distribution, and possession of obscene synthetic materials as “malicious crimes that sexually insult and mock our artists, and serious offenses that cause severe defamation and damage to their image by making them appear to be real through sophisticated synthesis.” The company added, “We are continuously cooperating with investigative authorities by collecting related evidence and submitting complaints, and we are actively petitioning the courts for strict punishment.”
As a result, most of the suspects involved in the deepfake cases so far have been apprehended, with a total of 12 individuals sentenced to prison for violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (distribution of false videos and others).
SM also said, “Many offenders share illegal synthetic materials through highly anonymous overseas social media platforms, but in collaboration with law firms in the United States and through investigative tracking, these individuals have also been caught without exception.” The company added, “Investigations are still ongoing.”
They further emphasized, “We ask everyone to exercise particular caution to avoid becoming involved in such unfortunate matters.”