Kakao Attends 'UN Business and Human Rights Forum'... Introducing Ethics for AI-User Interaction

Kakao announced on the 26th that it attended the 13th "UN Forum on Business and Human Rights" hosted by the United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland.

The forum, held annually for three days starting from the 25th, aims to strengthen the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). Stakeholders including governments, businesses, local communities, UN agencies, human rights organizations, and academia participate.

This year, about 4,000 internet and IT experts from various countries attended. Kakao participated in the first session on the first day, titled "Responsible Business Conduct in the Field of Artificial Intelligence (AI)," where it presented on "Ethics for Healthy Interaction Between AI and Users."

Hajin-hwa, Project Leader of Kakao's CA Council ESG Committee Group Technology Ethics Team, who delivered the presentation, introduced Kakao's multifaceted efforts to protect users' human rights as a technology company. In particular, she announced a newly added clause to "Kakao AI Ethics."

The new clause, "User Autonomy," cautions against excessive human dependence on AI and commits to preventing uses that threaten physical, mental, and social safety. This was decided based on consultations with the Korean Association for AI Law.

Previously, in January 2018, Kakao became the first domestic company to announce an "Algorithm Ethics Charter." It underwent three rounds of amendments adding new clauses: inclusivity in technology in August 2019, protection of children and adolescents in July 2020, and privacy protection in May 2022.

In July 2022, to review technology ethics across its affiliates and consider ways for technology and society to develop together, Kakao and major affiliates established a Community Technology Ethics Committee. In March last year, the committee completely revised the existing Algorithm Ethics Charter and established the Group AI Ethics Principles as guidelines for responsible AI within the Kakao Group.

The AI Ethics Principles consist of a total of 10 principles, including the newly added clause on user autonomy, as well as inclusivity, transparency, privacy, and user protection.