South Korea has become the first country to fully implement a comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence, with specific provisions aimed at curbing the misuse of deepfakes.
The AI Basic Act took full effect on Thursday, marking a major step in the country’s ambition to rank among the top three global AI powers, alongside the United States and China.
Announcing the development, President Lee Jae Myung said the law establishes a clear legal framework for the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.
Under the new law, companies are required to notify users in advance when their services or products employ generative AI. The legislation also mandates the clear labelling of AI-generated content, including deepfakes and other materials that cannot easily be distinguished from reality.
The Act, passed in December 2024, is designed to “establish a safety- and trust-based foundation to support AI innovation,” according to South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT.
Violations of the law attract fines of up to 30 million won (about $20,400).
South Korean media reports describe the legislation as the first comprehensive AI regulation law in the world to take full effect. The ministry, however, noted that it is the second such law enacted globally.
In comparison, the European Parliament adopted what it described as the world’s first AI rules in June 2024, but their implementation is being phased in and will not be fully applicable until 2027.