South korea passes law amendment to allow AI use of personal data

The South Korean National Information Society Agency (NIA) announced that the National Assembly has passed an amendment to the Personal Information Protection Act. The revised law permits AI developers to use personal data within defined limits, provided it has been reviewed by the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC). Under the current law, personal data can only be used for the purpose it was originally collected. If companies wish to use such data for AI development, they must obtain explicit consent from data subjects or have a legal basis for doing so. The AI industry in South Korea has long argued that these restrictions hinder the development of certain technologies. Previously, legal exemptions for scenarios such as voice fraud prevention and autonomous robot development were granted, but these were limited to two years, with a maximum extension of four years. The new amendment aims to address these limitations by allowing more flexible use of personal data for AI purposes. The amendment will take effect six months after approval by the State Council and formal ratification. The PIPC plans to consult with experts and industry stakeholders to develop detailed guidelines and subordinate legislation to implement the changes. The amendment reflects a broader trend of balancing data privacy concerns with the advancement of AI technologies, as South Korea seeks to remain competitive in the global tech landscape.