In a groundbreaking move, South Korea has become the second country in the world to pass a comprehensive AI law.
The National Assembly approved the “AI Basic Law” on December 26, 2024, marking a significant step towards regulating and fostering the AI industry in the country.
The law, set to be implemented in January 2026 after a one-year grace period, aims to establish a national framework for AI development, promote trust in AI technologies, and support the growth of the AI industry.
Key aspects of the legislation include,
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Creation of a National AI Committee and AI Safety Research Institute
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Support for AI R&D, data centers, and industrial clusters
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Measures to ensure safety and reliability of high-impact and generative AI
Minister of Science and ICT, Yu Sang-im, hailed the passage of the law as a crucial milestone in strengthening South Korea’s AI competitiveness. The government plans to swiftly implement follow-up measures, including the preparation of subordinate regulations and guidelines in the first half of next year.
This legislative achievement comes as South Korea positions itself to become a top-tier AI nation, joining the ranks of global leaders in the field.
As AI’s importance has grown to influence national economy and security beyond mere technology, major countries are intensely focused on AI innovation and establishing global AI leadership.
They are creating norms favorable to their interests. Consequently, there was a consensus in South Korea that a AI fundamental law is necessary to enhance national AI competitiveness and establish a foundation for trustworthy AI utilization.
The US issued an AI Executive Order in October 2023, while the European Union was the first worldwide to enact an AI law in June 2024. These actions reflect the global trend of recognizing AI as a critical factor in national power and security, with countries competing to set standards and regulations in the AI field
This Korean AI Basic Law is expected to reduce uncertainties for businesses and stimulate large-scale investments from both the public and private sectors.
Remarkably, South Korea has managed to pass this pivotal AI legislation as the second country in the world, even as the nation grapples, as almost everyone knows, with political upheaval surrounding impeachment proceedings related to charges of treason against the presidential martial law.
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