Policies

Dec 27, 2024

A newly enacted law has set the basis for the national development of artificial intelligence. Shown is an intelligent robotic dog inspecting SK Innovation's Ulsan CLX factory in Ulsan's Nam-gu District. (SK Innovation)

A newly enacted law has set the basis for the national development of artificial intelligence. Shown is an intelligent robotic dog inspecting SK Innovation's Ulsan CLX factory in Ulsan's Nam-gu District. (SK Innovation)


By Margareth Theresia

A newly enacted law on artificial intelligence (AI) has formed the basis for the national development of AI.

The Ministry of Science and ICT on Dec. 26 said the National Assembly in a plenary session passed the bill on the Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of Trust (AI Basic Act). The law will take effect in January 2026 a year after the Cabinet vote and promulgation.

Given the surge in AI's importance, leading economies are aggressively seeking AI innovation and securing global hegemony to boost their economies and security. As the second country to enact such a law after the European Union, Korea pushed for the legislation to enhance national AI competitiveness and create a reliable environment for AI use.

The AI Basic Act focuses on the launch of a national cooperative system for AI, systematic development of the industry and forming the legal basis to prevent related risks. The act has three main points.

The first is the launch of an organizational system to include the National AI Committee and the AI Safety Research Institute to comprehensively promote related policy.

The second is support measures for AI development like research and development, academic data and an AI data center.

And the third is to lay a safe and reliable cornerstone for high-risk and generative AI to minimize the impact of technological advances on society.


Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang-Im said, "Amid the intense global competition for AI, enactment of the AI Basic Act is a crucial milestone for Korea to truly take a leap forward as one of the world's top three AI powers, resolving corporate uncertainty and stimulating large-scale public-private investment."

"Through close communication in the field, we will do our best to swiftly enact subordinate statutes and devise various policies toward industrial support, as well as quickly launch a national base for AI computing."

margareth@korea.kr