'AI Basic Law' Passed by National Assembly... Second in the World to Establish AI Legislation

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Basic Law passed the plenary session of the National Assembly on the 26th. Korea has become the second country after the European Union (EU) to establish legislation on AI.

On this day, the National Assembly held a plenary session and passed the 'Basic Law on AI Development and Trust-Based Establishment' with 260 votes in favor, 1 against, and 3 abstentions out of 264 members present. The AI Basic Law began discussions in the 21st National Assembly and was reintroduced in the 22nd National Assembly after being discarded due to the expiration of the session, undergoing discussions on merging 19 bills in the Science, Technology, Information, and Broadcasting Committee.

The law provides a legal basis for the government to support the development of the AI industry and includes provisions to base the industry's trust by considering AI risks. It establishes the National AI Committee and allows the Ministry of Science and ICT to formulate a national AI plan every three years. The concept of high-impact AI was also introduced.

The enactment will take effect one year after its promulgation. The EU was the first to prepare AI-related legislation, and Korea followed with the enactment of the AI law. In the case of the United States, national support measures were prepared through a presidential executive order before the legislative branch's enactment of a bill.

The related industry is showing interest in resolving uncertainties and specific policy directions. An industry official said, "It is positive that a big framework has been set and a basis for support has been established regarding AI," but also noted, "We are watching the possibility that follow-up policies may lead to regulations."

According to a recent AI policy survey conducted by the Asia Digital Startup non-profit organization DPA, Korean AI-related startups support 'allow first, regulate later' regarding AI policy. While agreeing on the need for AI legislation, there are concerns that excessive regulation could hinder the growth of the Korean AI industry. There was also an opinion that it is necessary to clearly distinguish the responsibilities of AI developers and AI distributors.

Reporter Ko Eun-yi koko@hankyung.com