Yoon: "Artificial Intelligence and Fake News Threaten Democratic System"

The 3rd Democracy Summit Held in Seoul

President Yoon Suk-yeol is applauding at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Democracy Summit Ministerial Meeting held on the 18th at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. From left, Oliver Dowden, UK Deputy Prime Minister; President Yoon; Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 18th, "Fake news and false information using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology not only infringe on individual freedom and human rights but also threaten the democratic system." Attending the opening ceremony of the ministerial meeting of the 3rd Democracy Summit held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul that morning, President Yoon emphasized, "Digital technology must not threaten the safety of individuals and society."

The 3rd Democracy Summit is held in Seoul for three days from the 18th to the 20th under the theme "Democracy for Future Generations." The Democracy Summit was launched in December 2021 under the leadership of U.S. President Joe Biden, and this is the first time it is held solely outside the United States. The 2nd Summit in March last year was co-hosted by the U.S., South Korea, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and Zambia. This 3rd Summit is co-hosted by South Korea, the United Kingdom, Ecuador, and the United States.

In his opening remarks, President Yoon said, "AI and digital technology make us consider the dual aspects of digital technology: 'convenience of life' and 'crisis of democracy,'" and stressed, "The international community must unite so that AI and digital technology contribute to world peace and prosperity." While the innovation of AI and digital technology has positive functions that can overcome the constraints of time and space to realize humanity's dreams in the real world, there are concerns that fake news and false information could threaten the democratic system.

He continued, "The digital technology gap between countries widens economic disparities, which in turn greatly increases the democracy gap," and emphasized, "We must bear a grave sense of mission and share experiences and wisdom so that AI and new digital technologies promote democracy while protecting the safety of individuals and society."

Furthermore, President Yoon stressed that all politics and administration must contemplate what preparations and roles are necessary for future generations.

President Yoon stated, "Young people can view the world with just and unbiased eyes, so they can best represent the diverse demands of our society for the future," and added, "We must make young people partners in state affairs and strive to ensure their voices are reflected throughout government policy."

He also highlighted the significance of the venue by saying, "Seoul was reduced to ruins just over 70 years ago due to the invasion by communist totalitarian forces," and "South Korea, having risen from this, has developed democracy based on a firm belief in the universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law."

This event includes ministerial meetings and expert roundtables on "Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technology, and Democracy" on the 18th and 19th, and the main summit meeting attended by heads of state and UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres will be held virtually from 8 p.m. on the 20th. On the evening of the 20th, President Yoon will hold a virtual summit with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Kenyan President William Ruto. Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, who arrived in Korea the previous day, is also expected to have a luncheon meeting with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and then pay a courtesy call on President Yoon on the same day.