On June 9, the ministry announced that it held the first meeting of the government task force on digital sexual crimes, where officials shared operational plans and updates on the integrated support system for victims. They also discussed tasks related to responding to illegal harmful websites.
The task force aims to facilitate swift decision-making on key policies and improvements, enhancing accountability and collaboration among agencies.
The four agencies have been jointly addressing digital sexual crimes since signing a memorandum of understanding in November 2019, meeting quarterly to tackle these issues.
Last month, they launched the 'Government Joint Integrated Support Team for Victims of Digital Sexual Crimes.' This team consists of eight members, including a head who also serves as the Safety and Human Rights Policy Director of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, one deputy head, and six additional members.
The existing quarterly meetings have been expanded to monthly discussions, and a new high-level government task force has been established to strengthen the response system.
This initiative comes in response to the ongoing suffering of victims due to non-compliance with removal requests and the persistent circulation of illegal content, as well as the evolving tactics of digital sexual crimes, including deepfake technology.
Minister Won Min-kyung emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to fundamentally resolve digital sexual crimes, stating, "It is crucial to expand the role of the government integrated support team and secure additional personnel and budget for victim support, sanctions, investigations, and blocking measures."
Kim Jong-cheol, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, noted, "As the methods and distribution structures of digital sexual crimes become more sophisticated, the Commission will actively collaborate with relevant agencies under a 'zero tolerance principle' to eradicate digital sexual crimes and create a safer digital environment."
Acting Chief Yoo Jae-sung of the National Police Agency stated, "The police will focus on thoroughly investigating all stages of crimes related to the production, distribution, purchase, possession, and viewing of digital sexual exploitation materials to prevent further victimization and disrupt supply chains."
Goh Kwang-hun, Chairman of the Broadcast Media Review Committee, remarked, "We will concentrate all our review capabilities to eradicate the distribution of illegal filming materials until the day digital sexual crime victims can regain their normal lives."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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