The government is gathering citizen views and discussing disinformation issues stemming from the spread of AI technology.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the National AI Strategy Committee held a citizen discussion forum on the public debate of AI issues on Nov. 2 at Hanyang University’s Institute of Technology in Seoul.

The forum was prepared as a follow-up measure to the Korea AI Action Plan announced in February. It aims to discuss with the public the social changes and issues brought by AI technology.

The forum is held under the theme of AI technology and disinformation. Participants discuss AI’s impact on social trust and the roles of government and citizens in responding to disinformation. The event includes 100 members of a citizen discussion group as well as officials from the National AI Strategy Committee and the science ministry, and private-sector experts.

The event consists of a roundtable session and breakout discussions. At the roundtable, experts and relevant organisations share key issues related to AI-driven disinformation, response trends at home and abroad, and policy implications. A citizen discussion group formed with consideration for gender, age and region then joins the breakout discussions.

The science ministry and the National AI Strategy Committee plan to use views gathered at the forum in future policy formulation and review processes, after expert review and other steps.

Kim Ui-young (김의영), head of the AI Democracy subcommittee of the National AI Strategy Committee, said, "This forum is meaningful in that it builds an alternative public discussion space to stand against disinformation and protect trust in democracy." He added, "We will reflect the wisdom gathered by citizens and foster a sound ecosystem for public discussion."

Lee Jin-soo (이진수), director-general for AI Policy Planning at the science ministry, said, "The process of discussing with the public the changes and issues stemming from advances in AI technology is important." He added, "We will continue to listen to the public and work to ensure that the people’s voices are faithfully reflected in government policy."