SK Telecom Discusses Responsible AI Implementation with UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Introduction and Discussion of SK Telecom’s Proprietary AI Governance Principles

SK Telecom announced on October 19 that it had introduced its artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and held discussions on the role of human rights in responsible AI implementation and digital governance.

According to SK Telecom, Cha Hobum, Chief Product Officer (CPO), recently presented SK Telecom’s initiatives-including the AI governance principles established in 2024, known as 'T.H.E. AI', and the newly launched 'AI Governance Portal'-to Tim Engelhardt, Human Rights Officer at the OHCHR, and other officials during their visit to SK Telecom’s headquarters in Euljiro.

Cha Hobum, Chief Product Officer of SK Telecom (left), and Tim Engelhardt, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, are discussing cooperation on AI governance. Provided by SK Telecom

'T.H.E. AI' stands for: ▲ 'by Telco', which signifies connectivity and trust based on telecommunications technology; ▲ 'for Humanity', which aims for diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of human welfare; and ◆ 'with Ethics', which emphasizes decision-making transparency and ethical responsibility centered on ethical values.

Building on T.H.E. AI, SK Telecom has established a concrete code of conduct for AI, incorporated it into company regulations, and secured pledges from all employees to practice these standards. This year, the company also established a dedicated AI governance team under Chief Governance Officer Jeong Jaeheon and introduced its AI governance framework to international organizations and business partners at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 25 in Barcelona, Spain, where it discussed potential collaborations.

The AI Governance Portal is an internal service that analyzes risks and opportunities associated with AI services and assesses checklist compliance based on SK Telecom’s AI governance principles. Diagnosis and evaluation are carried out continuously, from the pre-launch stage through post-launch.

SK Telecom plans to continue sharing the importance of AI governance with global organizations and companies, and to collaborate on future applications and development strategies. Cha Hobum, SK Telecom’s CPO, stated, "A robust AI governance framework is essential for building a healthy ecosystem where humanity and AI can coexist," adding, "We will continue to work with various global organizations to create a trustworthy AI ecosystem that aligns with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and other relevant guidelines."