South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT said on May 21 it will seek public comment from that day on a draft revision to the enforcement decree following amendments to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework Act, which is due to take effect in July.

The revised AI Framework Act passed the National Assembly on Dec. 30 last year, and the revision was completed on Jan. 20 this year. Provisions that could take effect immediately, including a reorganisation of the National AI Strategy Committee and support for specialised personnel, have been in force since Jan. 22. Measures requiring subordinate legislation, including promoting the introduction and use of AI in the public sector, are scheduled to take effect on July 21 together with the enforcement decree.

The draft revised enforcement decree first defined the scope of AI-vulnerable groups. It included people with disabilities, seniors aged 65 and older, recipients of basic livelihood benefits and near-poverty groups, as well as women who have had career interruptions, job seekers, employees of small and medium-sized companies located outside the Seoul metropolitan area, and farmers and fishers.

For public procurement, the decree defined AI products and services to be given priority consideration as those confirmed by the Korea Artificial Intelligence Promotion Association after a technical review by the Korea Information and Communication Technology Association, and those designated by a Ministry of Science and ICT notice. Even if damages occur from the purchase of AI products and services, the responsible official is exempt from liability if there is no intent or gross negligence.

Eligible recipients for cost support for AI products and services included not only AI-vulnerable groups but also talent at universities located outside the Seoul metropolitan area and science and engineering personnel. It also detailed procedures for using the venture investment fund of funds to support AI startups, and set out in detail requirements and support measures for AI research institutes established by universities and companies with approval from the science minister.

Kim Kyung-man (김경만), head of the AI Policy Office at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said the July implementation of the amended law would strengthen the legal basis for support to expand the use of AI and foster the industry. He added the ministry would actively support wider adoption of AI products and services in the public procurement market and promote public-private technology investment through the establishment of AI research institutes.