Kakao to ban users over child exploitation or prostitution-related chats on KakaoTalk
Kakao is enforcing permanent bans on KakaoTalk for child exploitation, prostitution or terror-related chats. Illustration by ChatGPT
Kakao has introduced stricter content moderation rules for its flagship messaging app, KakaoTalk, permanently banning users who engage in child exploitation, prostitution-related conversations or terror plots.
Starting Monday, Kakao’s revised operating policy prohibits grooming behavior targeting minors, conversations aimed at sexual exploitation or prostitution and discussions related to terrorist planning or incitement to violence.
Users who suggest transactional sexual encounters, create chatrooms for sexual discussions or invite others with that intent may also be penalized, according to the company.
Violators may face a complete suspension from KakaoTalk. In particular, anyone found to have committed offenses involving children or adolescents will be permanently barred from using the app’s Open Chat feature, even if they reregister with a new account.
Kakao emphasized that it does not monitor private conversations directly. Enforcement of the new policy relies solely on user reports.
“In cases involving violent or extremist content, we will only take action after receiving a user report and verifying a violation,” the company said.
It added that KakaoTalk messages are encrypted and stored temporarily for only two to three days for data processing before being deleted, making proactive content surveillance technically and policy-wise unfeasible.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.