Ministry of Science and ICT Unveils 'Human-Centered' National AI Ethics Guidelines...To Be Finalized After Public Hearing Next Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Jo] The government has announced the 'National AI Ethics Guidelines (Draft)' to ensure the dignity of humans, the public good of society, and the purposiveness of technology in the development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI).

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Information Society Development Institute on the 27th, the National AI Ethics Guidelines released that day focus on the highest value of 'Humanity' for 'human-centered AI' and present three fundamental principles and ten core requirements.

These guidelines aim to be ethical standards that all members of society autonomously comply with and continuously develop across all fields. In particular, they are expected to function as a platform to discuss and concretely advance new ethical issues arising in the AI era.

First, the three principles to be observed in the AI development and utilization process to realize humanity are ▲ the principle of human dignity ▲ the principle of the public good of society ▲ the principle of purposiveness of technology. Additionally, the ten core requirements include guaranteeing human rights, protecting privacy, respecting diversity, prohibition of infringement, publicness, solidarity, data management, accountability, safety, and transparency.

The Ministry of Science and ICT, after consulting with and gathering opinions from key experts across academia, industry, and civic groups in AI, ethics, and law, presented these guidelines. After introducing the National AI Ethics Guidelines at a public hearing on December 7, they plan to collect citizens' opinions via email (aiethics@kisdi.re.kr) until December 15. The finalized 'National AI Ethics Guidelines,' supplemented through public opinion collection, will be confirmed after review by the '4th Industrial Revolution Committee' around mid-December.

Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT said, "We hope that the release of the National AI Ethics Guidelines will activate awareness and discussion on AI ethics issues across the nation, serving as a foundation for moving toward 'human-centered AI.'" He added, "We will strive to establish a basis for discussion and deliberation on newly emerging AI ethical issues and ensure their implementation in the field. We will also prepare practical measures such as developing checklists for each stakeholder to promote the spread of ethical guidelines in society."