Keily Blair, the CEO of OnlyFans, has been summoned to testify before the Korean National Assembly as part of an upcoming audit focused on digital sex crimes. Scheduled for October 7, this event marks a rare instance of a global company leader being called to account in South Korea, traditionally a realm dominated by local executives of major tech firms, as reported by The Korea Times.

The Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee has announced that a total of 108 witnesses will be present for the audit, which is aimed at examining the operations of the Korea Communications Commission. Blair will join Baeg Seung-jae, CEO of Fantrie, a Korean platform akin to OnlyFans, to discuss the implications of their services in the context of online exploitation and digital sexual crimes.

While the inclusion of Blair on the witness list signifies the increasing scrutiny of digital platforms, it is worth noting that OnlyFans does not maintain an office in South Korea, where pornography remains illegal. Consequently, it is uncertain whether Blair will comply with the summons. However, the incident raises questions about the responsibilities of foreign platforms in addressing issues related to digital sex crimes, a concern that has gained traction among Korean lawmakers. "Deepfakes made within two seconds with just a few clicks can spread online quickly," noted Rep. Hwang Jung-a of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), emphasising the urgency for foreign companies to be held accountable.

In addition to Blair's potential appearance, the upcoming audits will see various South Korean business leaders face scrutiny. For instance, Chung Euisun, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, is scheduled to appear on October 8 after his company recently secured approval to become KT’s largest shareholder. Other notable figures include Doosan Group Chairman Park Jeong-won, expected to respond to queries regarding the conglomerate's controversial restructuring plans.

While the Korean National Assembly has frequently summoned executives from US tech giants like Google, Apple, and Netflix, the call for Blair reflects a shift in focus towards the responsibilities of global platforms in combating digital crimes. As the conversation around online safety continues to evolve, the response from Blair and OnlyFans will be closely watched, particularly by those advocating for stricter regulations on digital content.

This high-profile audit serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between technology, legality, and societal expectations, illustrating the increasing pressure on global firms to engage with local concerns about digital safety and accountability.