The National AI Strategy Committee of South Korea, in coordination with the Office of the President and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), held a public consultation with civil society organizations on 9 February 2026 to discuss the AI Basic Act, the AI Action Plan and the “AI Basic Society” policy initiative. The meeting focused on gathering stakeholder input regarding the societal impact of artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to fundamental rights, safety, democracy and social inclusion.

Participants emphasized the need to balance technological advancement with safeguards that ensure public trust, transparency and ethical AI use. Discussions highlighted concerns about potential new social inequalities arising from disparities in AI access and capabilities and stressed that AI policy should ensure that benefits are distributed broadly across society. The government reaffirmed its commitment to incorporating civil society feedback into the legislative and policy process, advancing a governance framework that promotes innovation while protecting citizens’ rights and fostering inclusive digital development.

Why?

On 9 February 2026, the National AI Strategy Committee of South Korea held a public consultation with civil society regarding the forthcoming AI Basic Act, AI Action Plan and “AI Basic Society” policy. While no binding technical standards or immediate compliance obligations were enacted, the initiative signals the development of a comprehensive national AI governance framework.

The expected impact is primarily regulatory and strategic: the future AI Basic Act may establish overarching principles on AI ethics, fundamental rights protection, transparency and inclusive access, potentially influencing how AI systems are developed, deployed and supervised across sectors. However, at this stage, the measure represents a policy-development and consultation step rather than the entry into force of concrete technical or product-specific requirements.

Who?

• AI developers and technology companies anticipating future governance, transparency and ethical compliance obligations.
• Public sector bodies integrating AI into administrative services under forthcoming governance principles.
• Civil society organizations participating in AI oversight and rights-based policy discussions.
• Organizations deploying high-impact AI systems that may face future accountability and risk-management requirements.
• Legal, compliance and public policy teams monitoring AI regulatory developments in South Korea.
• Educational and social institutions concerned with equitable AI access under the “AI Basic Society” initiative.

Conclusion

This represents a medium-impact policy development: strategically significant for shaping South Korea’s AI governance model and long-term regulatory landscape, but not yet introducing enforceable technical standards, certification schemes or immediate compliance obligations