The suspects who created and distributed deepfake videos targeting HYBE Music Group artists have been arrested by the police. This achievement resulted from a collaborative investigation between HYBE and the police.
According to the Gyeonggi North Provincial Police Agency on the 11th, a total of eight suspects have been arrested for creating or distributing deepfake false videos targeting HYBE artists. Among them, six operators who created and distributed false videos by setting up Telegram chat rooms have been detained.
This investigation's success is the result of close cooperation between HYBE and the Gyeonggi North Provincial Police Agency in establishing a hotline for deepfake crime-related issues. Previously, HYBE and the Gyeonggi North Provincial Police Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Feb. 25 to eradicate deepfake crimes. As deepfake crimes targeting artists have recently spread, a cooperative system has been established with the Gyeonggi North Provincial Police Agency to prevent damage and ensure rapid response.
HYBE requested an investigation into illegal videos composed of its artists' faces and provided information to track and apprehend the suspects. The Gyeonggi North Provincial Police Agency, with expertise in digital crimes, swiftly tracked the suspects based on the information provided by HYBE and successfully identified and apprehended them.
Reports from fans also contributed to the apprehension of deepfake crime suspects. Since last September, HYBE has operated a "HYBE Artist Rights Violation Reporting Center" to protect artists' rights. HYBE was able to quickly recognize criminal activity by receiving reports from fans regarding composite posts that defame the artists.
HYBE plans to continue cooperating with investigative agencies to further enhance the artist protection system.
Kim Ho-seung, head of the Gyeonggi North Provincial Police Agency, noted, "Deepfake crimes that exploit the weaknesses of entertainers, who find it difficult to disclose their victimization, are rampant. Deepfake is a serious crime that disrupts the daily lives of victims, and crimes targeting celebrities should not be exempted. The Gyeonggi North Provincial Police Agency will continue to track and apprehend those involved."
Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE, stated, "We will respond strongly to crimes that infringe on artists' portrait rights and reputations under a zero-tolerance, no-settlement principle. We plan to continue monitoring and taking legal action to eradicate similar cases."
[Photo] HYBE
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