South Korea Passes First Comprehensive Law on Safe AI Use

Technology | System Posted on 2026-03-06 10:46:05

South Korea has officially enacted a comprehensive law regulating the safe use of artificial intelligence, becoming the first nation in the world to introduce a legal framework focused on responsible AI development and use.

The legislation, known as the AI Basic Act, took effect on Thursday, according to the country’s science ministry. The law aims to address risks linked to artificial intelligence, including the spread of misinformation and the misuse of deepfake technology.

Under the new rules, companies and developers creating AI systems must take greater responsibility for preventing harmful content generated by their technologies. The government is also given authority to investigate violations and impose penalties.

The law introduces the concept of “high-risk AI,” referring to systems that could significantly affect people’s daily lives or safety. These include AI used in job recruitment, loan evaluations, and medical advice.

Organizations using such systems are required to inform users that their services rely on AI. In addition, content produced by AI must contain watermarks indicating that it was generated by artificial intelligence.

Officials said the watermark requirement is an important safeguard against misuse, particularly in preventing deceptive content such as deepfakes.

The law also applies to major global technology companies operating in the country. Firms with at least 1 trillion won in annual global revenue, domestic sales of 10 billion won, or at least one million daily users in South Korea must appoint a local representative. Companies such as OpenAI and Google fall under these criteria.

Violations may lead to fines of up to 30 million won, although authorities will provide a one-year grace period to allow businesses time to adjust to the new regulations.

The law also includes provisions to support the growth of the AI industry, requiring the government to introduce a national policy plan for artificial intelligence every three years. 

NPO News Team l PNA - PR

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