Charges filed by NEC against three individuals for creating deepfakes related to elections
South Korea Bolsters Efforts to Detect Deepfake Videos Amid Election Season
On the first day of the early election for South Korea's 21st presidential election on May 29, 2023, candidates Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo exercised their rights to vote. As elections approach, concerns over deepfake videos have escalated, prompting increased measures to safeguard the integrity of elections and combat the spread of misinformation.
Regulatory measures have been put in place to address deepfake content, including the revision of the Public Official Election Act in December 2023. The updated law explicitly prohibits the creation, editing, distribution, screening, or posting of deepfake content for campaign purposes during the 90 days before Election Day. Violators face severe penalties, such as imprisonment for up to seven years or fines between 10 million and 50 million won (approximately $7,273 to $36,365).
Furthermore, the AI Basic Act, enacted in South Korea, includes transparency requirements and labeling obligations to mitigate the risks associated with deepfakes. This legislation aligns with international regulations seeking to introduce proactive legal controls and enforcement strategies against the misuse of AI-generated content, including deepfakes.
Supporting this endeavor, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has allocated approximately 1.29 billion won (around USD 925,770) toward enhancing deepfake detection systems, particularly focusing on unstructured data such as images, voice, and videos. Machine learning technology is being integrated into these detection systems, improving accuracy and reducing personal information leaks and unauthorized distribution.
The National Election Commission (NEC) has actively prosecuted individuals involved in circulating election-related deepfakes. For example, in May 2025, charges were filed against three individuals for distributing deepfake videos targeting specific presidential candidates, underscoring the commission's diligence and proactive approach to election-related deepfake content.
While progress has been made, challenges remain in enhancing the robustness of deepfake detection methods. Research has indicated that current systems often fail when applied to real-world content. This necessitates continuous development to keep pace with evolving deepfake technology.
In conclusion, South Korea is taking comprehensive steps to detect and counter deepfake videos during elections, addressing concerns over attempts to manipulate public opinion and spread misinformation. Efforts consist of strict legal prohibitions, funding for advanced detection technologies, integration of AI-enhanced detection systems, and active prosecution of offenders. Ongoing development is necessary to address and overcome the challenges that lie ahead in effectively combating sophisticated deepfake content.
Artificial-intelligence and technology have become crucial in South Korea's measures to combat deepfake videos during elections, with the AI Basic Act mandating transparency and labeling obligations, and machine learning being integrated into detection systems for improved accuracy. However, the challenge remains in enhancing the robustness of deepfake detection methods as they often struggle with real-world content, necessitating continuous development to stay ahead of evolving technology and safeguard the integrity of business (elections) and public opinion.
