The trend of using “D**pfake” apps to ‘transform’ into celebrities, such as BLACKPINK Jennie, and the risks of misusing them
The trend of using so-called “d**pfake apps” to synthesize individual faces with the faces of celebrities is currently popular on SNS.
More and more people tried because they can make a face combination only with 10 seconds of accessing this app. However, it is warned that copyright infringement problems may arise due to posts uploaded recklessly. As the number of cases using this app for illegal purposes is increasing, caution is needed.
According to the mobile index of the data analysis solution on September 28, the number of monthly active users (MAU) of a ‘d**pfake app’ called “Reface” hit a peak (104.568 users) last month. The figure is up 71% compared to the previous month (61.269 users). In the case of ‘FacePlace’ app, which was released on August 15, recorded 27.215 users in 15 days and has become a popular app.
With these apps, the users only need one photo, and they can combine their faces with many famous celebrities. In particular, there are a variety of selections from faces of Korean actors and singers to foreign celebrities and even sports stars. For instance, there are faces of Korean celebrities, such as BLACKPINK Jennie, actor Ma Dong Seok, MV Yoo Jae Suk, as well as overseas actors, singers, and movie characters, such as Thor, Hulk, and Wonder Woman. Moreover, it is reported that about 680.000 “Reface” posts were shared on Instagram.
In fact, according to the Korea Communications Standards Commission, from Jung last year to this month, about 1956 cases of ‘d**pfake illegal sexual images’ were blocked and ordered to be deleted. The number increased from 548 between June and December last year to 1408 between January and September this year. Compared to last year, this year’s figure increased by 256%.
In June last year, some amendments to the “Act on Special Cases concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes” were implemented in order to strengthen the punishment of d**pfake crimes. Those who produce, distribute, or screen illegal d**pfake content shall be imprisoned for up to 5 years or ordered a fine of up to 50 million won. In the case of distribution through information and communication network for profit, the distributors will be imprisoned for up to 7 years.
If you post d**pfake content using your face on SNS, you are not subject to previous legal punishments. There will be no problem with copyright infringement if you use your own face. If the content is made using videos, such as movies and TV programs, and share on SNS with other users, this action may constitute a violation of the public transmission right (Section 18 of the Copyright Act).
Sources: heraldcorp
