Seoul will offer its patented artificial intelligence (AI) system, which automatically detects and reports sexually exploitative content online, free of charge to institutions across Korea. The technology, first introduced in 2023, uses 24-hour real-time monitoring to automatically identify unlawful sexual images and videos on illicit websites and social media, request their removal and block re-uploads, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Tuesday. City officials said the first transfer agreement has been signed, opening the door for central government agencies, local governments and even private companies working for the public interest to adopt the system. Nonprofit organizations based abroad may also be able to use the technology, given the cross‑border nature of digital sex crimes, they added. Seoul’s AI tool has been recognized at home and abroad, winning a top presidential award in a government innovation competition in 2023 and the U.N. Public Service Award the next year. It has also secured national patents and copyright registration. Since the program was comple