Posted on over 30 pornographic sites
Distributed via Deep Web and P2P sites, misused for crimes
"Deep Nude video holders should also be punished"
Recently, 'deepnude' videos, which synthesize nudity onto K-POP idol stage footage, have been spreading primarily on illegal pornographic websites. Unlike traditional deepfake videos that only synthesize faces onto pornographic content, deepnude videos are characterized by less unnaturalness, raising concerns that many victims may emerge.
On the 30th of last month, over 30 deepnude videos of popular idol singers were posted on a pornographic website within a month. Most of these videos were created based on music broadcasts, fan meetings, or stage fancams.
On the 30th of last month, a deep nude video of an idol was posted on an adult content website. [Image source=adult content website]
Deepnude programs create sophisticated composites based on generative adversarial network (GAN)-based deepfake technology. The AI replaces the body of the person in the video with nude images accumulated through deep learning on pornographic sites, making it difficult to distinguish authenticity.
Professor Kim Myung-joo of the Department of Information Security at Seoul Women's University explained, "Existing deepfake videos only synthesize faces, so the process of cutting out and pasting faces resulted in unnatural outcomes. In contrast, deepnude captures the body of the person in the video and naturally replaces it with nude footage accumulated through deep learning to produce the final result."
It is presumed that creators produce deepnude videos using programs distributed on the deep web. The original developer is an anonymous programmer who reportedly sold the program for $50 in 2019. After a surge in site access and AI ethics controversies, sales were halted. However, distribution began immediately afterward on P2P (peer-to-peer) sites and the deep web, and the program continues to be misused for crimes.
Entertainment agencies are aware of the issue but face difficulties in identifying distributors. A representative from an entertainment agency said, "Recently, the company has recognized that such (deepnude) videos are spreading internally. The legal and public relations teams are continuously monitoring," but added, "Since the pornographic sites spreading the videos are based overseas, we are unsure how to respond legally."
There are concerns that if the spread of deepnude programs is not stopped, crimes targeting ordinary people may continue. Currently, web addresses linked to deepnude programs have begun circulating on domestic online communities such as DC Inside.
Experts emphasize the need to increase legal penalties for deepfake pornography while improving ethical awareness regarding AI.
Professor Kim stated, "Under the current Sexual Violence Punishment Act, only those who produce and distribute deepfake criminal videos can be punished. There should be provisions to punish mere possession of such videos." He added, "Beyond punishment, it is necessary to raise ethical awareness in our society that producing such videos is a serious crime and that consumption should be avoided."
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