KakaoTalk Implements Permanent Restrictions on Conversations for the Purpose of Child and Adolescent Sexual Exploitation

Kakao has strengthened its penalties against conversations aimed at sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.

If a user proposes compensated sexual encounters to children and adolescents or opens a chat room for the purpose of sexual conversations in the KakaoTalk messaging platform, their access to KakaoTalk services may be permanently restricted.

According to related industry reports from the 16th, Kakao has implemented revised operating policies for KakaoTalk that include regulations against enticing behavior for sexual exploitation, commonly known as "grooming," conversations for purposes of prostitution and sexual exploitation, as well as penalties for content related to violent extremism such as terrorism and conspiracy.

If violations are confirmed, access to all KakaoTalk services may be permanently restricted.

Clarification of Penalties for Conversations Aimed at Sexual Exploitation and Extremist Content

Kakao has specified certain behaviors that it considers as conversations aimed at sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.

These include proposing compensated sexual encounters, creating chat rooms for sexual conversations or inviting other users, and requests from runaway youths for lodging or other conveniences.

Additionally, penalties may be imposed for content that justifies violent acts for political or religious beliefs.

This includes praising, supporting or promoting organizations classified as terrorist or extremist groups, or expressing support or solidarity with such groups through their symbols, slogans, or flags.

However, Kakao has not explicitly stated which groups are classified as terrorist organizations, and in order to prevent misuse of reporting, the specific review processes or criteria will not be disclosed to the public.

The new operating policy also includes prohibitions against illegal debt collection and the creation and operation of false accounts on KakaoTalk.

Concerns About "Prior Censorship" and Kakao's Explanation

There have been criticisms labeled as "prior censorship" regarding Kakao’s recent measures.

On the 1st of this month, ahead of the 21st presidential election, National Assembly member Joo Jin-woo from the People Power Party questioned, "What criteria does Kakao use to judge extreme ideologies?" claiming that individual crimes should be dealt with in the judicial realm.

In January, Democratic Party member Jeong Yong-ki stated that he would report any dissemination of fake news related to incitement of insurrection on KakaoTalk as a crime of incitement to insurrection, to which the People Power Party responded with legal action, calling it a "public intimidation."

In response, Kakao explained, "This is applying international ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) evaluation standards." They emphasized that they cannot access chat content and review allegations of violating KakaoTalk's operational policies only when user reports are received.

A Kakao representative stated, "KakaoTalk conversations are encrypted immediately upon sending, and data is stored on the server for 2 to 3 days for processing before deletion."

Image Source: Reference images for understanding the article / Photo=Insight, Unrelated reference images / gettyimagesbank, Reference images for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank