22 January 2026 — South Korea has become the first country in the world to enforce a comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence (AI), with the new legal framework taking full effect on Thursday.
The AI Basic Act, passed by the National Assembly in December 2024, was officially activated this week in a move government officials say will build public trust and ensure safer use of AI technologies. President Lee Jae Myung described the milestone as a significant step in shaping the country’s future digital landscape. “The AI Basic Act comes into full effect today,” he said, underscoring the importance of responsible innovation.
Under the new law, companies must clearly inform users when services or products employ generative AI, and they are required to label AI-generated content, including deepfakes that might otherwise be indistinguishable from real media.
Officials from the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) said the legislation is aimed at establishing “a safety- and trust-based foundation to support AI innovation,” addressing concerns about misinformation, deception and other harms that can arise with unregulated AI deployment.
The law introduces new duties for developers and firms creating so-called “high-risk AI,” including systems that influence areas such as healthcare advice, employment screening or financial decision-making. Those using such technologies must alert users to their AI basis and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
Violations of the act may attract fines of up to 30 million won (approximately £15,600), and a one-year grace period has been set to help businesses adjust to the new requirements before penalties are enforced.
South Korean media have reported that the law’s implementation places the country ahead of other major jurisdictions, such as the European Union, whose own AI regulatory framework is being phased in gradually and is not expected to be fully applicable until 2027.
The legislation also sets out ongoing obligations, including periodic policy reviews by the science minister and measures to help nurture the domestic AI industry while maintaining public safety.
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