A Study on the Investigative Powers of Northeast Asian Intelligence Agencies in the Era of AI, Deepfake Advanced Technologies

Purpose: Northeast Asia has experienced rapid economic growth, leading to affluence. At the same time, the development of the Internet has led to an indiscriminate influx of information, transforming the security environment. In a knowledge-based information society, the emergence of the Internet and social networking services (SNS) has made national security inextricably linked to (1) technical cyberattacks and (2) psychological cyberattacks. While espionage in the past was conducted under orders, it is now shiftin g to the role of self-generated national security crimes. This is a tactic that uses the enemy nation's internet and social media operations to organically increase anti-state organizations, ultimately fostering a social atmosphere that benefits their own nation's interests. Method: Based on previous studies, this research established an analytical framework to demonstrate the necessity of the study, drawing on current laws, domestic and international monographs, academic articles, research reports, legislative materials from the National Assembly, news articles, and statistical data from government agencies. Results: This study is an expanded and revised English version of a paper originally published in Korean. Building on the previous discussion of establishing a personnel management system for intelligence agencies, expanding professional manpower, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation, this study further examines the necessity of investigative powers for intelligence agencies in the era of AI and deepfake technologies. Conclusion: Northeast Asia, a buffer state between major powers, has consistently faced national security crises such as war, terrorism, and assassinations. Now, in the era of AI and deepfake technology, it faces a new phase. Therefore, this study examines the threats we face and suggests the role of intelligence agencies in the age of AI and deepfake technology.