Even at the Cafe, Office, and University Visited Daily... Broadcasting Review Committee Blocks 192 Illegal Filming Cases

Monitoring Reveals Illegal Videos at Cafes and Universities
Distribution on Overseas Sites Confirmed... Access to Be Blocked
"Rapid Spread Makes Initial Response Crucial... Active Reporting Needed"

"I can't believe they exist even in the cafe and office I go to every day... I can't even be careful, what am I supposed to do?" (Social media post)

The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) has decided to block access to about 200 illegal bathroom filming videos. This follow-up action was taken after confirming that these videos were distributed through overseas illegal and pornographic websites. After this fact became known, many online users complained, saying "I'm too scared to even go to the bathroom."

The photo is not related to the specific content of the article.

On the 26th, the KCSC announced that after recently focusing on monitoring videos illegally filmed in public restrooms accessible to anyone, such as those in cafes, universities, and offices, they confirmed that 192 illegal bathroom filming videos were being distributed through overseas illegal and pornographic websites. Accordingly, the KCSC held a Digital Sex Crime Review Subcommittee meeting and resolved to request corrective measures (access blocking) for the videos.

The KCSC emphasized, "Because digital sex crime materials spread rapidly through infinite copying and distribution, 'initial response' is crucial, and active reporting by victims is necessary." They added, "We will continue monitoring to prevent the spread of illegal filming in public places and will further strengthen cooperation with related agencies such as the police."

Meanwhile, filming inside bathrooms is punishable under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes. According to Article 14 of the Act, anyone who uses a camera or other similar device to film a person's body that may cause sexual desire or shame against the subject's will can be punished by imprisonment for up to 7 years or a fine of up to 50 million KRW.

Not only the act of filming itself but also distribution, sale, rental, provision, exhibition, or screening of the filmed material or copies (including copies of copies) are subject to the same punishment. Furthermore, those who distribute filmed materials or copies via information and communication networks for profit face aggravated punishment, including imprisonment for 3 years or more. Additionally, possession, purchase, storage, or viewing of such illegal filming materials or copies can result in imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30 million KRW.