Seoul: South Korea has launched a comprehensive pan-government organization aimed at enhancing the nation's response to the rising issue of digital sex crimes, as reported by the government media watchdog.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KCMM) announced that the newly established entity is designed to accelerate the process of curbing the spread of sexually exploitative content online. This effort includes collaboration with relevant domestic and international agencies. The initiative addresses the growing crisis of digital sex crimes in South Korea, which have evolved from secret filming in public places to technologically advanced exploitation, including the use of Deepfake technology powered by artificial intelligence.

In the past, authorities faced significant challenges in quickly responding to digital sex crimes due to the complex administrative procedures required to block access to websites hosting such content, as noted by the KCMM. The organization will not only monitor illegal sexually exploitative material but also work on formulating legislation to address these issues.

The task force will consist of eight officials from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the National Police Agency, and the KMCC. A signboard hanging ceremony took place at the administrative office in Seoul, attended by Gender Minister Won Min-kyong and KMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol, marking the official launch of the initiative.

Last year, South Korea recorded 17,629 cases of digital sex crimes, marking a 4.7 percent increase from the previous year, according to a report by the gender ministry. The government has previously removed over 1.5 million pieces of sexually exploitative content and provided support to over 53,000 victims of sex crimes through five rounds of governmental measures.