South Korea today became the first country in the world to enact a comprehensive law regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and establishing a legal framework aimed at preventing misinformation and other risky consequences for users, Yonhap news agency reported.
South Korea's Ministry of Science and Technology said that the backbone of the law is greater responsibility for companies that own AI systems in preventing deepfake content and disinformation that this intelligence can create.
The government has been given the authority by law to impose fines or initiate investigations into possible violations of the law.
Specifically, the law introduces the concept of "high-risk artificial intelligence", which refers to AI models capable of generating content that significantly affects people's daily lives and their safety.
Examples, according to Jonhap, are apps used to compile employment applications, loan applications, or provide medical advice.
Entities using such high-risk AI models are required to inform users that their services are based on the use of AI and are responsible for their security. Content generated by AI models will have to be marked with a watermark that clearly indicates the nature of the text or image.
Global companies offering AI services in South Korea with revenue exceeding $681 million (1 trillion won), which currently includes Google and OpenAI, are required to appoint a local legal representative in Korea. Smaller companies can be fined up to about €17.500 (30 million won) for each violation of the law.
At the same time, the law also stipulates measures that the government should take to promote the artificial intelligence industry, and the Minister of Science is obliged to propose a new plan of measures every three years. The ministry has also established a support service to assist the business community with advice.
This advisory desk will respond to general questions from the business community within three days, and if more in-depth legal analysis is needed – within 14 days, Yonhap writes.
"The support desk will be a guide to help bring the law to life in local industry," explained Second Vice Minister of Science Ryu Ye-myung.
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