Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee Discusses AI Development Promotion Act and Current Issues

The Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee decided to extend the review period for the 'Petition Opposing Mandatory Facial Recognition and Related Policies for Mobile Phone Activation.' This petition has been referred to the subcommittee, and the committee agreed to extend the period until the end of the 22nd National Assembly's term to allow for a more in-depth review by the subcommittee.

Representative Hwang Jung-ah, as the lead proponent, explained the purpose of the 'Special Act on the Promotion and Support of Physical Artificial Intelligence Development.' Representative Hwang emphasized that the advancement of AI technology is accelerating the convergence of software and manufacturing, which will present new opportunities for national economic and industrial development.

She stated that the existing legal framework is insufficient to effectively respond to such new industrial convergence, making it necessary to establish legal grounds for AI technology development and the creation of an industrial ecosystem through a new integrated bill. This bill aims to promote the development and utilization of AI technology and strengthen the competitiveness of related industries.

Representative Hwang explained that this bill would establish an inter-ministerial control tower and designate pilot regions to support the practical application and spread of AI technology. This would strengthen the institutional foundation for effective application of AI technology across various industrial sectors.

This bill is expected to secure South Korea's leadership in AI technology and create future growth engines. Representative Hwang added that she hopes this bill will be successfully enacted to serve as a cornerstone for AI technology development.

During the meeting, Representative Seo Dong-yong demanded the submission of data regarding illegal information reports and measures taken by a specific online platform. Representative Seo mentioned that since the relevant law was amended on July 7, 347 cases of manipulated information were reported only on 'DC Inside' among nine platform operators, and 15 of these were deleted or blocked by the portal itself.

However, Representative Seo pointed out that despite his request for the submission of these deletion details, no data had been provided by the relevant ministries. This statement raised questions about the government's response to illegal information and issues of transparency.

Furthermore, Representative Seo demanded the disclosure of the South Korean government's response letter to the US House Judiciary Committee Chairman, but the government stated that the material was 'not for public disclosure.' This led to an ongoing standoff between the ruling and opposition parties regarding data submission.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced four core tasks for the second half of 2026, aiming to foster national economic and industrial growth and expand benefits for citizens. The First Vice Minister of Science and ICT stated that as the ministry in charge of innovation, they would make all-out efforts to secure leadership in AI and advanced science and technology.

Key tasks include expanding infrastructure through the construction of AI data centers and fostering the physical AI ecosystem. This strategy aims to establish core foundations for AI technology development and support the creation of AI solutions applicable in real industrial settings, thereby strengthening South Korea's technological competitiveness.

Additionally, a plan was announced to enhance the capabilities of citizens to live in the AI era by providing AI education opportunities to all citizens and bridging the digital divide. This reflects the commitment to ensure that AI technology benefits all citizens, not just a specific segment.

The Ministry of Science and ICT expects these core tasks to help South Korea secure a leading position in global AI and advanced science and technology and achieve sustainable growth.