Police Raise Election Crime Response to Highest Level... AI Manipulation Targeted

The police will strengthen their response to election-related offenses to the highest level ahead of the upcoming local elections in June.

The National Office of Investigation at the National Police Agency announced on May 10 that, with candidate registration and the start of full-fledged campaigning for the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections, the response system for election-related crimes will be raised to its highest alert level starting on May 14. The police will focus on cracking down on illegal activities such as black propaganda that distorts the will of voters and election violence at campaign sites.

Since February, the National Office of Investigation has organized dedicated investigative teams for election offenses across police stations, totaling 2,096 personnel, and began operating the Election Offense Investigation Situation Room in March. This time, investigative teams at each police unit will work in close collaboration with security, precinct, and police box functions to establish a rapid on-site response system. While making an all-out effort to address the overheated election atmosphere, the police will conduct strict investigations with a 'zero tolerance policy' toward the three major election crimes: ▲ dissemination of false or fake news ▲ offering or receiving money or entertainment to or from voters ▲ violation of the obligation of political neutrality by public officials. Each of these offenses will be addressed independently and rigorously.

In addition, to counter black propaganda that exploits artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a dedicated 'AI Manipulated Content Analysis Response System' will be fully activated. The plan goes beyond simple authenticity checks, employing digital forensic techniques to technically reconstruct the entire process from content creation to distribution, with the aim of thoroughly proving criminal allegations.

A representative from the National Office of Investigation stated, "The police have now become the central investigative body for election crimes, and we will fulfill our role and responsibility. We will do our utmost to ensure that the will of the voters is fully reflected in the election results."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.