"Rapid AI Expansion, Government Support Needed to Ensure Youth Do Not Lose Competitiveness"

Joint Meeting of 4 Ministries Including MSIT and MCST
Youth Advisors Participate... AI Project Presentations and Discussions by Each Ministry

The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Communications Commission, and the Personal Information Protection Commission held a joint meeting on "Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Youth Generation" on the 22nd at the Content Culture Square of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.

As part of the "2024 Youth Culture Week," this meeting listened to the concerns faced by the youth generation amid the spread of AI technology, sought solutions together, and formed a consensus on a proper digital culture.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Youth advisors from the four ministries explained major AI policies by ministry and freely exchanged opinions related to the AI era. Participants noted, "As AI automation technology advances, many jobs in manufacturing, service industries, and others are being replaced by artificial intelligence," and requested active government support so that young people do not lose competitiveness and can develop their capabilities.

They also agreed that even as AI technology develops, it should be used as a means to improve life in a better direction with humans at the center, rather than harming anyone.

The youth advisors said, "Through this meeting, we collected opinions on the potential risks and side effects of AI as perceived by young people. We will convey to the ministries what efforts are needed to create a safer and more trustworthy AI environment," adding, "We will continue to communicate with young people to ensure that policies they can feel are developed."

The government has allocated the following in next year's budget to actively foster the artificial intelligence (AI) industry: ▲ AI research and development (R&D) (1.1 trillion KRW), ▲ creation of a private sector-centered AI ecosystem (200 billion KRW), and ▲ establishment of a new AI innovation fund (100 billion KRW).

Lee Haedon, Director of Cultural Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "I hope that this meeting will serve as an opportunity to further activate discussions on the proper awareness and approach to AI that the youth generation should have amid rapid technological development and social change."

Ko Eunyoung, Youth Policy Officer (Planning and Coordination Officer) at the Personal Information Protection Commission, said, "This is a meaningful occasion organized for the first time with the cooperation of AI-related ministries," and added, "We will continue to respect and listen to the opinions of the youth generation and do our best to create inclusive policies that resonate with young people."