[2024 National Audit] Deepfake Sexual Crime Investigation Criticized: "Few Investigation Progress Reports from Women and Youth Division Chief" · "International Agreements Are Delayed"

Kim Sang-wook "Female Youth Division Chief Must Be Supported by Investigation Experience"
Park Jeong-hyun "Budapest Convention Urgent... Report Progress"

Cho Ji-ho, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, was questioned about responses to deepfake (AI-based image synthesis technology) digital sex crimes during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit. Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out the shortage of specialized investigative personnel among the heads of the Women and Youth Division. Park Jung-hyun of the Democratic Party urged rapid accession to the Budapest Convention (Cybercrime Treaty) for international crime cooperation.

At the Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of the National Police Agency held on the 11th at the Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Rep. Kim said, "Digital sex crimes require specialized investigative techniques, and since a bill allowing undercover investigations has already passed, the capabilities of investigators are crucial. However, the current status of investigative qualifications held by the heads of the Women and Youth Division, who should be leading these investigations, is very low." Investigative qualifications refer to the eligibility to work in investigative departments such as investigation, criminal, cyber, and women and youth divisions. These qualifications are obtained by passing an exam held once a year.

On the 11th, at the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's National Audit targeting the National Police Agency held at the Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Police Commissioner Jo Ji-ho is drinking water.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Commissioner Cho Ji-ho stated, "The Women and Youth Division is different from other investigative departments. Since it involves comprehensive approaches such as victim protection and temporary measures, having investigative qualifications is not necessarily ideal; rather, having an appropriate ratio is considered more ideal." In response, Rep. Kim added, "Still, if one is the head of the women and youth investigative department, having investigative qualifications seems common sense to the public," and emphasized, "Investigative experience should also be supported."

Regarding the 'Budapest Convention' requested by Rep. Park, Commissioner Cho said, "There are differences of opinion with the Ministry of Justice regarding legislative matters, so discussions are ongoing." He explained, "To join the treaty, legislation on preservation orders (for information) must be enacted. However, the police believe that the police should be the subject of preservation orders, while the Ministry of Justice believes that prosecutors should be the subject."

Rep. Park said, "Isn't this a convention urgently needed?" and urged, "Please expedite the coordination. It would be good to receive another report on the progress of the promotion."