South Korea has officially implemented its Artificial Intelligence Basic Act as of 22 January 2026, making it one of the first countries in the world to put a comprehensive law on AI into force. The legislation, formally known as the Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of a Foundation for Trustworthiness, was passed by the National Assembly and designed to govern the deployment, development and oversight of AI systems. The law was enacted following broad public consultation and legislative adoption in late 2025, with the effective date set for January 2026.
According to official reporting, the act aims to promote the domestic artificial intelligence industry while introducing basic protections to address risks presented by increasingly powerful AI technology. It applies to high-impact AI, high-performance AI safety obligations and transparency requirements for generative AI technologies. These categories include AI systems that could significantly affect people’s daily lives and safety, such as systems used in employment screening, loan reviews, medical advice and autonomous vehicles. Generative AI providers must clearly disclose when content is created by AI and apply labels or watermarks to AI-generated material.
The law also sets thresholds for companies that must comply with local obligations. Global firms meeting criteria such as a threshold of revenue or user base must designate a local representative in Korea. The legislation gives authorities the power to investigate violations and impose fines of up to 30 million Korean won, with a government-announced one-year grace period before penalties are fully enforced to allow time for industry adjustment.
Government officials described the Basic Act as foundational for building public trust in AI and creating a national AI policy structure. The law establishes a basis for future subordinate regulations, enforcement frameworks and national strategy coordination. Startups and industry stakeholders have responded with mixed views, welcoming clarity on AI governance while raising concerns about regulatory complexity and compliance readiness.
Official press release on this new AI Basic Act can be found in the following link from the Ministry of Science & ICT: