South Korea’s National Assembly has officially passed the AI Basic Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to propel the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities while ensuring ethical and trustworthy deployment of the technology. Following its approval in a plenary session on December 26, the law is set to take effect in January 2026 after a one-year preparation period.
This development makes South Korea the second jurisdiction globally, after the European Union, to enact a comprehensive AI law. It reflects the government’s dual commitment to fostering innovation and safeguarding societal interests amid intensifying global competition in AI.
The AI Basic Act consolidates existing proposals into a unified framework, focusing on three key pillars:
- National AI Infrastructure:
- The law establishes the National AI Committee, which will oversee the implementation of AI policies at the highest levels of government.
- Complementing this body, the AI Safety Research Institute will focus on ensuring safe and reliable AI development.
- Support for AI Development:
- Provisions include enhanced support for research and development, access to academic data, and the creation of an AI data center to accelerate technological progress.
- These measures are designed to stimulate public-private investment and foster an environment conducive to innovation.
- Mitigation of AI Risks:
- The law sets regulatory safeguards for high-risk and generative AI technologies, emphasizing transparency, ethical use, and minimizing societal disruptions.
The act’s enactment aligns with global trends. Its framework mirrors the EU’s AI Act in its emphasis on ethical AI use, risk management, and transparency while incorporating South Korea’s distinct focus on fostering industrial growth.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has pledged to expedite the creation of subordinate statutes and policies supporting AI development. Plans include establishing a robust AI computing infrastructure and ensuring seamless collaboration between public and private sectors.
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