Global Tech Companies Seek Flexibility in South Korea’s AI Basic Act
On March 18, 2025, significant discussions took place between artificial intelligence (AI) policy officials from major global tech companies, including OpenAI and Google, and representatives from the South Korean government. The primary focus of these meetings was to request greater flexibility in the implementation of the AI Basic Act.
Context of the AI Basic Act
Passed by the National Assembly in December 2024, the AI Basic Act is set to take effect in January 2026. It is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at promoting the AI industry while ensuring the safe use of AI technologies. Notably, this act is considered the world’s second AI law, following the comprehensive regulations established by the European Union.
Meetings with Government Officials
During the meetings, Sandy Kunvatanagarn from OpenAI, along with Alice Hunt Friend and Eunice Huang from Google, engaged with officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT. Additionally, Jared Ragland from the Business Software Alliance (BSA)—which represents around 70 global software companies, including Adobe Inc., IBM Corp., and Microsoft Corp.—also held separate discussions with the ministry.
Requests for Regulatory Flexibility
One of the central themes of these discussions was the request for a more flexible application of regulations, particularly in contrast to the strict AI regulations currently enforced in the EU. The participants expressed concerns regarding the scope of operator liability and sought clarity on the definition of high-impact applications within the context of the new law.
Next Steps for the Ministry
The ICT ministry is actively working on devising enforcement ordinances that will govern the implementation of the AI Basic Act. As the ministry prepares for the enforcement of this legislation, the feedback from industry leaders will likely play a crucial role in shaping the final regulations.
As the landscape of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the dialogue between tech companies and governmental bodies remains essential for fostering innovation while ensuring public safety and accountability.
