Seoul, South Korea – South Korea is poised to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) as the nation's parliament, the National Assembly, moved one step closer to passing a comprehensive AI law. The "Act on the Promotion of Artificial Intelligence and the Creation of a Trust-Based Foundation" cleared the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, paving the way for a final vote in the plenary session.

The bill aims to foster the growth of the AI industry while ensuring the technology is used responsibly. Key provisions include the establishment of a national AI strategy, support for AI data centers, and regulations for high-impact AI systems that could pose risks to human life, safety, or fundamental rights.

However, the legislation has not been without controversy. Civil society groups have expressed concerns about the lack of a clear prohibition on harmful AI applications and the potential for insufficient penalties for companies that violate the law. They have called for stronger safeguards and greater accountability.

Industry representatives have also raised objections, particularly regarding a new provision that allows the government to investigate AI companies even without a formal complaint. They argue that this could stifle innovation and create an overly burdensome regulatory environment.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly also approved a bill to repeal the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act, commonly known as the "single-price system law." This law has been in place since 2014 and has restricted the amount of subsidies that mobile carriers can offer on smartphones. The repeal is expected to increase competition among carriers and lower prices for consumers.

While the AI bill is seen as a positive step for South Korea's AI industry, experts say that the success of the legislation will depend on how it is implemented. The government will need to establish clear guidelines and provide adequate support for businesses, while also ensuring that the public's safety and privacy are protected.