The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) is preparing to implement the revised "Basic Law on the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of Trust" (AI Basic Law) in July, focusing on refining subordinate regulations. The aim is to strengthen the institutional foundation for fostering the AI industry by expanding the adoption of AI in the public sector, supporting vulnerable groups, and establishing AI research institutes.
On May 21, the MSIT announced that it has prepared a draft of the "AI Basic Law Enforcement Decree" and will begin the legislative notice process. The enforcement decree is set to take effect alongside the revised AI Basic Law on July 21.
Key provisions of the revised AI Basic Law include: the establishment of a National AI Strategy Committee, promotion of AI adoption and utilization in the public sector, legal basis for the establishment and operation of AI research institutes, support for accessibility and costs for vulnerable groups, encouragement of AI startups, support for AI professionals, and provision of public data for training purposes.
The draft enforcement decree specifies the scope of vulnerable groups, which now includes not only individuals with disabilities, the elderly, basic livelihood recipients, and those in the near-poverty level, but also women with career interruptions, job seekers, employees of small and medium-sized enterprises outside the capital region, and agricultural and fishing workers. This measure addresses the potential for high-cost, high-performance AI services to create new social disparities.
The decree also defines the range of AI products and services prioritized in the public procurement market. Products and services verified for AI technology application by the Korea Artificial Intelligence Promotion Association and those separately announced by the MSIT will be included. The Korea Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) will conduct the technical review.
Support for the costs of using AI products and services has been expanded. In addition to vulnerable groups such as individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and job seekers, support will also be available for talented individuals from universities in non-capital regions and those in science and engineering fields, within budget limits.
Procedures for utilizing venture investment funds to promote AI startups are also included in the enforcement decree. Heads of central administrative agencies can request the Korea Venture Investment Corporation to establish investment plans for the AI industry after consulting with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
The criteria for establishing and operating AI research institutes have been clarified. Various entities, including universities and companies, can establish AI research institutes with the permission of the MSIT, and the decree specifies the requirements for establishment and national support.
Following the legislative notice, the MSIT plans to finalize the enforcement decree through regulatory and legal reviews, cabinet meetings, and government council discussions.
Kim Kyung-man, head of the AI Policy Division at the MSIT, stated, "The implementation of the revised law is expected to further strengthen the legal support for the expansion of AI utilization and the development of the industry. We will actively support the advancement of the AI industry through the expansion of AI products and services in the public procurement market and the establishment of AI research institutes."
Meanwhile, South Korea's AI Basic Law passed the National Assembly in December 2024. The AI Basic Law came into effect on January 22 of this year, making South Korea the second country in the world to enact such legislation after the European Union.
Under the AI Basic Law, the Minister of Science and ICT is required to establish a basic AI plan every three years. Notably, sectors that significantly impact citizens' lives, such as healthcare, autonomous driving, and investment services, are classified as high-impact AI and are subject to additional responsibilities for operators.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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