Artificial Intelligence Law

The Republic of Korea has become the first country in the world to enact a comprehensive law regulating the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI). The law focuses on developing AI and building trust in its use. It is not a collection of separate regulations but the world’s first meta-level law. The law sets legal boundaries and requirements for products of generative AI models, as well as penalties for violations. In particular, content created by generative models must be labeled with a watermark. Companies are required to inform potential users that their services are AI-based and to ensure user safety. According to Yonhap News Agency, legal entities and developers bear greater responsibility for the spread of deepfakes and false news generated by AI. Authorities are also empowered to investigate violations of the law. Additionally, the law requires technology companies to establish offices in Korea if their services are used by more than 1 million people daily in the country or if their revenue exceeds 10 billion won (6.8 million USD). Furthermore, if a company offers services in Korea and its global annual revenue reaches 1 trillion won (681 million USD), the requirement applies as well. Companies like OpenAI and Google meet these criteria. Authorities plan to provide a one-year transition period.