South Korea Becomes First in the World to Pass Law on Safe Use of AI
South Korea has made a groundbreaking move by becoming the first country to enact a comprehensive law dedicated to the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI). This pivotal legislation, dubbed the “Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of a Foundation for Trust” (AI Basic Act), aims to set a regulatory framework addressing the challenges posed by AI technologies.
Introduction of the AI Basic Act
According to reports by Yonhap News, the AI Basic Act officially came into effect on a Thursday as announced by the Ministry of Science. This law introduces a range of responsibilities for companies and AI developers, particularly in combating deepfakes and disinformation—two significant risks associated with the burgeoning technology.
Regulatory Framework Against Disinformation
The legislation empowers the government to impose fines or initiate investigations for violations of the law. A key aspect of the AI Basic Act is the introduction of the concept of “high-risk AI”. This term refers to AI models that generate content which could have substantial impacts on individuals’ lives or safety. Companies utilizing these high-risk models are mandated to issue warnings to users and remain accountable for safety concerns.
Watermarking AI-Generated Content
One of the critical stipulations of the law is that all AI-generated content must now be watermarked. This requirement serves as a basic security measure to help identify the origin of content created by AI technologies. The Ministry of Science and Technology asserts that these watermarks are just the starting point for enhancing security in AI applications.
Requirements for International AI Companies
Additionally, international AI companies that meet specific criteria—such as an annual revenue of 1 trillion won (approximately $681 million), domestic sales of 10 billion won, and at least 1 million daily users—must appoint a local representative in South Korea. Currently, only Google and OpenAI fulfill these criteria. Noncompliance with these regulations could lead to fines of up to 30 million won.
Promoting AI Industry Development
The AI Basic Act does not solely focus on regulation; it also includes measures aimed at promoting the growth of the artificial intelligence industry. Under this law, the Minister of Science is required to present a policy plan every three years to foster the development of AI technologies.
Conclusion
In summary, South Korea’s passage of the AI Basic Act marks a significant milestone in the governance of artificial intelligence. By establishing clear guidelines and responsibilities for AI developers, the law aims to mitigate risks associated with AI while promoting industry growth. As other nations observe South Korea’s pioneering steps, the implications of this law could serve as a model for global AI regulation.
