South Korea Enforces Laws Against AI Deepfakes Ahead of Local Elections

www.straitstimes.com

South Korea Enforces Laws Against AI Deepfakes Ahead of Local Elections

First seen 18 May 2026, 01:16 UTC • •56.0

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ThreatCluster •May 19, 2026 at 00:46 UTC

•South Korea's local elections on June 3 will test new laws against AI deepfakes.
•The National Election Commission has hired hundreds to monitor and counter AI-generated disinformation.
•Severe penalties, including jail time, can be imposed for the use of misleading AI content.

South Korea is set to hold local elections on June 3, 2026, implementing new laws to combat AI-generated deepfakes in political campaigns. The regulations, established in 2023, prohibit the use of misleading virtual content 90 days prior to elections. As the election date approaches, the National Election Commission has mobilized hundreds of workers to monitor social media for disinformation. Experts note that the rapid advancement of AI technology complicates efforts to identify and remove fake content. Recent examples of deepfakes include a false news report about a mayoral candidate and an AI-generated song promoting a politician. The authorities can impose severe penalties for confirmed violations, including jail time. The effectiveness of these laws will be tested as the election draws near, with concerns about the speed at which disinformation spreads through various channels.

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Timeline

2023-01-01

New laws against AI deepfakes enacted

South Korea established regulations prohibiting misleading virtual content 90 days before elections.

2024-01-01

First major election under new laws

The 2024 general election was the first to be held under the amended laws targeting AI disinformation.

2026-05-18

Monitoring efforts ramped up ahead of elections

The National Election Commission increased staffing to combat AI-generated disinformation as elections approach.

2026-05-18

Examples of AI disinformation identified

Authorities discovered fake news reports and AI-generated content aimed at influencing voters ahead of the elections.

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