Members of an association of women's rights civic groups hold a "Speak Out Against Deepfake Sex Crimes" rally near Gangnam Station in Seoul, Aug. 30. Newsis

With the surge of deepfake-related sex crimes among elementary, middle and high school students, media scholars warn that such incidents were inevitable due to the absence of comprehensive digital ethics education.

Deepfake crimes have not emerged out of nowhere. Online harassment, sharing of violent videos and other forms of digital delinquency among children and teenagers have been persistent issues.

Despite this, there has been virtually no education on the ethical use of digital devices. This lack of education has led to children and teenagers creating and circulating sexually explicit deepfake videos featuring their friends, teachers and family members.

Experts warn that if the government and schools continue to ignore the need for media education, even greater problems will arise.

South Korea's digital education focuses primarily on how to use digital devices. Elementary students learn about media in Korean language classes, while middle and high school students study digital topics in information technology classes.

However, these lessons are centered on using devices or software. There is little to no media literacy education, which teaches the critical and ethical use of media.

While the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) and the National Information Society Agency offer one-time "digital ethics" classes to schools upon request, these are often superficial.

Shim Jae-woong, a professor of media studies at Sookmyung Women's University, criticized this approach, saying, "Media literacy is a power accumulated through long-term education, but the current school curriculum is merely a token gesture."

Vice Minister of Education Oh Seok-hwan says that nearly 200 cases of deepfake victimization involving students and teachers have been reported this year during a briefing at the Government Complex Sejong on Aug. 28. Yonhap

'Digital citizenship'

In contrast, countries like Finland, the United States, Australia and Germany provide systematic media literacy education starting from lower grades in elementary school.

These programs include discussions and practical exercises on the ethical conflicts and negative impacts of digital technology.

Lee Moon-hyung, a professor of animation and film at Yuhan University, said, "In Finland, there is a class where students edit their own photos to understand how easily ‘fake news' can be created. This trains young people to analyze and judge digital content critically."

Digital literacy education also emphasizes "digital citizenship," which encourages individuals to act responsibly in online spaces and engage in community issues.

Harvard University's Digital Literacy Resource Platform (DRCP), for example, teaches young people how to interact healthily with society using digital tools.

One lesson explores the 2012 case of Trayvon Martin, an African American teenager shot by a Hispanic neighborhood watch member, and how it evolved into an online movement against racial discrimination.

A parents' association holds a press conference in front of the Seoul Government Complex, Wednesday, calling for the eradication of deepfake sex crimes and the establishment of comprehensive preventive measures. Yonhap

Without action, more severe problems will arise

However, the South Korean government's response to deepfake crimes has been mostly reactive, focusing on stronger penalties and the swift removal of illegal content from platforms like Telegram. There is no mention of digital literacy education, a fundamental measure to prevent offenders from emerging in the first place.

This issue has shocked many, as teenagers are both perpetrators and victims of deepfake sex crimes. Yet, warning signs have been apparent for years. In 2019, deepfake sex crimes involving celebrities were brought to public attention.

According to Security Hero's "2023 Deepfake Report," South Korea is the most vulnerable country to deepfake pornography globally, with 8 out of the top 10 subjects being Korean singers.

Without proper education, digital crimes among teenagers will inevitably worsen. As technology advances rapidly, the knowledge gap between younger and older generations will widen, leaving the latter powerless.

Shim said, "If we do not make media literacy education mandatory even now, much more serious problems than deepfakes could arise."

Kang Jin-sook, a professor of media and communication at Chung-Ang University, said, "Media literacy education needs to be institutionalized by law. In advanced countries, it is mandatory for younger students, and youth-related laws include media literacy education provisions."

Progressive party members and participants chant slogans at a rally demanding a thorough investigation into deepfake sex crimes at Cheonggye Stream in Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

Media and families must call it 'crime'

Schools and families also have critical roles to play. Jung Hyun-sun, director of the Media Literacy Research Institute at Gyeongin National University of Education, said, "Schools should include media literacy in their self-organized curriculum hours, and they should not shy away from allowing students to discuss the current deepfake issue."

The media needs to properly define deepfakes as well. Shim said, "Some media outlets describe deepfakes as part of ‘youth culture,' but they should refrain from using terms like play, culture or fun and clearly label it as a ‘crime.'"

He also advised parents, "Instead of vaguely warning, ‘Don't use Telegram, or you'll get in trouble,' they should directly and explicitly talk to their children about the potential risks of becoming a perpetrator and how to deal with situations if they become a victim."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.