The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the amendment to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Basic Act passed the National Assembly plenary session on December 30. Ahead of the world's first AI Basic Act taking effect on January 22 next year, the focus has been placed on promoting the adoption of AI in the public sector and strengthening accessibility for AI-vulnerable groups.
This amendment was prepared by merging nine separate amendment bills to the AI Basic Act, sponsored by Assembly members Choi Minhee, Lee Junghun, Jang Cheolmin, and Choi Boyoon, into a single bill through bipartisan agreement during the National Assembly's review process.
The main points include: ▲Legislating the reorganization of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee ▲Establishing and operating AI research institutes ▲Creating demand for AI in the public sector ▲Supporting the promotion of AI startups ▲Supporting AI professionals ▲Providing a legal basis for supplying public data as training data ▲Supporting education utilizing AI technology ▲Ensuring accessibility for AI-vulnerable groups and providing a legal basis for financial support, among others.
In particular, new systems have been introduced to enable the public sector to serve as a catalyst for activating the AI industry. When national institutions purchase products or services or place orders for services necessary for their work, they are now required to give priority consideration to AI-based products. Legal grounds have also been established to exempt institutions from liability for damages caused by the adoption of such AI-based products.
Legal grounds have also been established to guarantee AI accessibility for vulnerable groups and to support costs for low-income individuals. Opinions from people with disabilities and the elderly must be reflected in the process of developing and formulating national AI policies. The national or local governments may provide financial support to citizens who face economic difficulties in utilizing AI.
This amendment is scheduled to take effect on January 22 next year, together with the enforcement of the AI Basic Act, after passing the Cabinet meeting and receiving presidential approval. However, provisions requiring amendments to the enforcement decree-such as support for the promotion of AI startups, creation of public sector AI demand, and cost support for AI-vulnerable groups-will take effect six months after the promulgation of the amendment.
Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyunghoon stated, "The passage of this amendment by the National Assembly is a meaningful achievement, reflecting cooperation between the government and the National Assembly for the development of the domestic AI industry," adding, "We will ensure that the AI Basic Act becomes a strong partner in supporting the growth of Korea's AI industry."
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