Korea’s basic law on AI can set global standard: Minister of Science and ICT
| Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang-im speaks in a press conference in Sejong on Monday. (Ministry of Science and ICT) |
Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang-im on Monday underlined the importance of continuous efforts to enhance technology in spite of the country's political turmoil.
“Regardless (of President Yoon Suk Yeol being impeached by the National Assembly), the advancement of science (and information communication technology sectors) cannot be halted as they are core parts of the country’s growth engine,” said Yoo in a press conference in Sejong.
“(Leaders) at the Ministry of Science and ICT adjusted their schedules only on the day of the short-lived martial law. I believed that we had to do our best to minimize the fallout, and everyone at the ministry has been following through with their duties according to the planned schedule.”
The minister voiced hope that the Artificial Intelligence Act, which is expected to be passed at the National Assembly before the end of the year, will serve as a standard for other AI leaders across the globe, such as the United States and Japan.
“There have been concerns that the AI Act will hinder the development of the AI industry,” he said.
“However, the Ministry of Science and ICT is working to draft the enforcement decrees in a way that will minimize restrictions while maximizing the growth of the AI sector.”
Asked what would be the most pressing issue for the ministry to focus on in case of a supplementary budget next year, Yoo added that the extra spending should be allocated to setting up AI-related infrastructure and supporting AI research and development.
As for the fallout of the martial law declaration and the country’s leadership shakeup, the minister called on lawmakers to come together to resolve pending issues as smoothly as possible.
“It is true that the overseas perception of our country has been shaken,” he said.
“The National Assembly has to cooperate to normalize and stabilize our political landscape so that the transition to the next government can take place without too much disruption … I hope lawmakers from both parties can take a step back and see the big picture to ensure that the country is moving in the right direction so the government can carry out its functions as usual.”
