Digital Sex Crimes Disappeared? ... Still 'Rampant' as Platforms Shift

Digital Sex Crime Police Crackdown Shifts to New Channels
Telegram Also Shows Signs of Revival
"Balloon Effect Inevitable as Distribution Blocks Lead to Alternative Routes"

[Asia Economy Reporters Seungyoon Song, Jeongyun Lee] Since the 'Telegram Nth Room Incident,' digital sex crimes, which seemed to have somewhat subsided due to a large-scale police investigation, are resurfacing online.

Recently, on a popular social networking service (SNS), many individuals have emerged selling or exchanging sexual exploitation materials through a feature that allows sharing interests. They exploit the fact that the platform can be operated secretly and requires administrator approval for membership, using it as a distribution channel for sexual exploitation materials. As police crackdowns focus on well-known SNS platforms, a balloon effect appears where crime venues shift to entirely new channels. Other new social networking services (SNS) have also emerged as alternative means. One SNS, originally intended for users to receive and answer questions anonymously, is frequently used as a means to sell sexual exploitation materials. When anonymous posts advertising such materials appear, transactions proceed through other messengers where contact is possible. Some SNS platforms popular overseas have entered the domestic market and show signs of being distorted into new distribution channels for sexual exploitation materials. Tumblr, which was identified as a distribution channel for sexual exploitation materials before the Nth Room issue surfaced, is in a similar situation. Although Tumblr launched a self-regulation policy and undertook extensive pornography blocking efforts, recently, sexual exploitation materials and posts humiliating acquaintances have again flooded the platform.

The sexual exploitation chat rooms on Telegram, identified as the main culprits in the Nth Room case, seemed to disappear temporarily but have recently shown signs of gradual revival. On Telegram, sexual exploitation chat rooms operating in a manner similar to the 'Doctor's Room' have been recreated. Some places share videos featuring women with specific phrases written on their bodies, just like in the Doctor's Room. Twitter accounts related to 'deviant groups,' which were targeted by the Doctor's Room operator Jo Joo-bin (24), are also gradually reemerging.

Professor Geon-su Lee of the Department of Police Science at Baekseok University explained, "It is natural that when distribution is blocked on a specific platform, a balloon effect occurs where other routes are sought. While strict responses to digital sex crimes are necessary, it is also important to establish treatment and management systems for addicts who have dependency on pornography."

Meanwhile, the National Police Agency plans to operate a special investigation unit for digital sex crimes (Special Unit) until the end of this year and switch to a permanent crackdown system starting next year. The police intend to respond strongly to digital sex crimes occurring through various channels, including ongoing investigations of free members related to the Nth Room case, even after the Special Unit is disbanded. As of September, the police uncovered 1,549 cases of digital sex crimes and arrested 1,993 individuals. Among them, 185 were detained. A police official stated, "Currently, investigations focus on secure messengers, but awareness, response, and research analysis regarding platform migration are continuously conducted," adding, "To proactively and actively respond to digital sex crimes online, legislation for undercover investigations is absolutely necessary." The police are preparing to introduce undercover investigations for the prevention and proactive response to digital sex crimes, but there is currently no legal basis for this.