South Korea’s media watchdog, the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC), has initiated an investigation into US social media platform Instagram. The probe focuses on claims that Instagram disabled user accounts without valid reasons last year. The KMCC will assess whether Meta Platforms Inc.’s Instagram violated local telecommunications regulations and provided appropriate support to affected users, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Following complaints that several Korean user accounts were permanently disabled in May and June of the previous year, the KMCC’s investigation aims to determine if these actions were unrelated to Instagram’s efforts to safeguard minors from explicit content under its enhanced teen protection guidelines. If any violations are confirmed, the KMCC is prepared to levy fines and issue corrective directives.
In a related development, the KMCC recently urged another US-based social media platform, X, to implement measures safeguarding minor users from explicit content generated by the AI model Grok. Concerns have risen regarding the potential dissemination of deepfake sexual content through AI platforms. The KMCC has requested X to prevent illicit activities on Grok and propose strategies to shield teenagers from harmful material, such as restricting or monitoring their access.
Under South Korean legislation, social network platform operators, including X, must appoint a designated official responsible for minor protection and submit annual reports, according to the KMCC. The commission’s request aligns with regulations, emphasizing that the creation, distribution, or storage of sexual deepfake content without consent could lead to criminal repercussions. KMCC Chairperson Kim Jong-cheol affirmed the commission’s commitment to actively supporting the responsible advancement of new technologies.
