4th Meeting of Ministers Related to Science and Technology
Accelerating Public Data Access by Easing Source Attribution and Modification Requirements
2nd National R&D Investment Strategy and "K-Moonshot" Initiative Discussed
Information Security Measures Including Incentives for Vulnerability Improvements
The government is revising regulations to allow public works to be used more freely for artificial intelligence (AI) training. The plan is to significantly expand access to public data by introducing a new “Type 0,” which permits unconditional use of public works for AI training, and a new “AI Type,” which allows even existing works to be freely used for AI training purposes.
On January 28, the government finalized the “Plan to Expand the Use of Public Works for AI Training” at the 4th Meeting of Ministers Related to Science and Technology. The meeting, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyunghoon, comprehensively discussed topics including the government’s mid- to long-term research and development (R&D) strategy, support for artificial intelligence transformation (AX), and information security measures.
The core of the public works system reform is that it institutionally addresses the legal uncertainties that companies and researchers have cited as the biggest obstacle in the AI training process. Until now, obligations such as source attribution, modification permissions, and restrictions on commercial use varied by type of “Korea Open Government License,” making it difficult to use public works for large-scale AI training. Through “Type 0,” the government will open public works for all uses, including AI training, without conditions. With the new “AI Type,” existing usage conditions will be maintained, but free use will be permitted exclusively for AI training purposes.
At the meeting, in addition to the expansion of public works access, the “2nd R&D Mid- to Long-Term Investment Strategy (2026-2030),” which sets the direction for national research and development investment over the next five years, was discussed. The government’s plan is to accelerate the creation and dissemination of R&D outcomes by focusing on: mission-oriented R&D; uninterrupted investment from research and development to market creation; and a “one team” strategy involving both government and private sector participation. The “K-Moonshot” initiative, Korea’s version of the Genesis Mission, was also discussed.
The government’s AX project was also a key agenda item. This year, the government will invest 9.9 trillion won in fostering the AI ecosystem, and 33 ministries, agencies, and committees will implement AX projects totaling 2.4 trillion won. To support this, an “AX Full-Cycle One-Stop Support Plan” will be established to provide support at every stage-from planning to execution, dissemination, and expansion-offering advanced graphic processing units (GPUs), AI models, data, and consulting tailored to the needs of each ministry.
Security enhancement will also proceed in parallel. The government will strengthen notification obligations in the event of possible personal data leaks, operate an “AI Red Team” to check for vulnerabilities in AI systems, and announced the “2nd Comprehensive Information Security Plan,” which includes incentives to encourage white-hat hackers to disclose and improve vulnerabilities.
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