SOOP ESG2023

SOOP has established a content operation policy based on legal and ethical responsibilities to create a healthy content culture. In addition, we update the content operation policy according to the rapidly changing external social environment and announce it through the Communication Center.

If a live streaming violates our platform policy, the broadcast will be blocked in real-time and made inaccessible to the streamer and users. Content reported to customer support will be reviewed to determine if it violates our policies. If necessary, guidance and action will be taken through follow-up communication. Streamers who repeatedly broadcast inappropriate content or malicious content such as pornography or illegal filming may be immediately suspended. In addition, chats that encourage obscene behavior or sexually humiliate streamers are strictly prohibited, and if such behavior occurs, we will take operational policy measures and, if necessary, take steps for criminal prosecution.

Based on the Youth Protection Act and the Information and Communications Network Act, we implement policies to protect youth from inappropriate content such as harmful information, sexual objectification, and violence. To this end, we implement systematic management, including restricting access to harmful information, and applying adult certification and filtering prohibited words. In addition, we provide counseling and grievance handling support to youths to protect them from harmful information. We also require minors to obtain the consent of their parents or other legal representatives when using paid services through the Terms of Use for Paid Services.

In 2023, we provided training on the current status of illegal distribution of harmful information and youth protection policies to our internal youth protection workers and conducted youth protection campaigns through various channels, including our website and social media, with messages on youth protection policies. We also conducted a campaign to prevent the distribution of illegal digital sexual images with the Korea Communications Commission and a campaign to protect youth with the Korean Youth Organization Council. In December, we received the ‘Minister of Gender Equality and Family Award for Youth Protection’ from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family for our efforts.

Received an Award from Minister of Gender Equality and Family for Youth Protection

SOOP provides practical and relatable operating policy training for streamers, addressing frequently occurring incidents, legal violations, and socially inappropriate content. The training is provided through various formats, including posts, webtoons, and videos to enhance accessibility and understanding. Streamers must complete at least five training courses to qualify for the upper-level tier(Best streamers), which offers higher incentives.

Detailed training topics cover broadcasting while driving, infringement of others’ rights, defamation, youth harm, outdoor broadcasting, and illegal broadcasting. We also provide customized training for junior or new streamers and support streamers to create the right content based on the Internet Broadcasting Guide produced by the Korea Internet Self-Governance Organization(KISO) and through VOD operating policy training.

Through 24/7 real-time monitoring, we block content that violates our operating policy and ensure that users can use our services in a healthy environment. We have dedicated monitoring staff to block harmful information, and we accept reports and inquiries from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays. We also take immediate action to protect users from any life-threatening situation and prevent the distribution of harmful information through real-time around-the-clock monitoring. As our monitoring system continues to expand, the number of harmful information detections has been steadily decreasing. In 2023, actions such as chat bans and forced exits due to toxic chat decreased by 17% compared to 2022. Additionally, sanctions for violations of operating policies across categories decreased by 57%.

SOOP has adapted its own AI filtering technology to promote a respectful chatting culture in the community. Taekwon A filters out ads and abusive chats, while Taekwon S detects and blocks obscene material and adult content. The accuracy of both filtering services has improved through continuous enhancement efforts, and the scope of service is expanding. Initially, Taekwon A was available only for chat service, but it has expanded to Messaging service. The AI filtering technology enables effective detection and blocking of harmful chats and content, and detected chats and content are under immediate sanctions. We continue to monitor them afterward to prevent recurrence.

SOOP actively promotes campaigns to create a healthy content culture and strives to produce creative and informative content. In 2023, SOOP promoted campaigns related to various social issues and raised viewers’ awareness of these issues. For example, we ran a campaign with the Korea Communications Commission to prevent distribution of illegal filming by presenting cases of digital sexual crimes and associated punishment standards. In addition, we ran a campaign to eradicate illegal activities such as drug use and gambling, which have been increasingly problematic in recent years. In particular, we provided information on the taboo language system for drug-related slang in SOOP’s operating policy and the ability to set age limits for young people.

We also ran a campaign for streamers to promote healthy and safe broadcasting, providing guidance on etiquette for live broadcasts, including seasonal outdoor broadcasts, and guidelines for safe broadcasting.

• Campaign to prevent Distribution of Illegal Digital Sexual Content
• Campaign to End Illegal Behavior

SOOP engages in a variety of activities to foster a culture that respects life and raise awareness among users. In addition to internal efforts to systematize the handling process of content with life- sensitive content and to raise awareness of the importance of respecting human life, we are collaborating with relevant organizations to conduct campaigns to create a life-respecting online culture, including youth suicide prevention initiatives. In September 2023, in honor of the Suicide Prevention Week, we ran a campaign to raise awareness of the seriousness of suicide and its prevention among streamers and users on SOOP. In February 2024, we conducted a life-respecting campaign with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Foundation for Suicide Prevention and posted content on the main banner of our homepage and user bulletin boards about the Suicide Reporting Recommendation Standard 3.0. The Suicide Reporting Recommendation Standard 3.0 is a standard that individuals who can shape public opinion through media such as the press, written material, and video should follow when reporting on suicide cases. By promoting such campaigns, we aimed to foster a more respectful and responsible broadcasting culture.

Respect-for-Life Campaign