Kakao Establishes Korea's First 'Technology Ethics Committee' to Strengthen Social Responsibility

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Hong Euntaek, co-CEO of Kakao, took his first step by establishing the country's first-ever 'Technology Ethics Committee.' The plan is to strengthen Kakao's social responsibility by inspecting technology ethics across the Kakao community and researching social co-development.

Kakao Community Alignment Center (CAC) announced on the 25th the launch of the 'Kakao Community Technology Ethics Committee.' This committee will systematically improve policies related to compliance with artificial intelligence (AI) ethics regulations, risk assessment, and enhancing algorithm transparency for Kakao community services. Each community will establish a dedicated technology ethics organization and hold regular meetings on related issues.

Hong Euntaek, co-CEO of Kakao, said, "This organization will establish itself as a body that deeply discusses directions to fulfill responsibilities as a leading IT technology company and contribute to the sustainability of society," adding, "Kakao community plans to take the lead in building safe and healthy technology ethics together."

Lee Chaeyoung, head of Kakao's technology division, will serve as the chairperson, with eight members including Ahn Yangsoo, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Kakao Games; Na Hoyul, CTO and Executive Vice President of Kakao Pay Technology; and Kim Kibum, CTO of Kakao Entertainment.

Along with the launch of the community technology ethics committee, Kakao also established the 'Human Rights and Technology Ethics Team' as part of its ESG management. This team will analyze international human rights norms and domestic and international human rights management policies to propose directions for human rights-friendly management activities within the Kakao community. Together with the Technology Ethics Committee, it will also be responsible for strengthening policies related to technology ethics, including ▲establishing algorithm ethics ▲enhancing digital inclusion and accessibility ▲user protection and personal information protection to fulfill the social responsibility of a digital company.