Surge in Digital Sex Crimes Linked to Deepfake Technology in Korea

• •Over 300,000 digital sex crime cases reported in 2026, with deepfakes as a major factor.
• •AI system detected over 96,000 child sexual abuse materials in six months since April 2026.
• •91% of deepfake victims are teenagers or young adults, indicating a vulnerable demographic.

In 2026, South Korea reported over 300,000 digital sex crime support cases, largely driven by deepfake technology. The National Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center revealed that 91% of victims affected by deepfake content were in their teens or 20s. The center handled 304,009 cases by September 30, 2026, with a significant rise in removal requests from social media platforms. An AI system introduced in April 2026 has aided in detecting and removing child sexual abuse materials, identifying over 96,000 cases in just six months. The ongoing support for victims has become crucial, with nearly 45% requiring long-term assistance. The shift in distribution channels highlights the growing challenge of combating illegal content online.