KCCoM Pushes to Expand Mandatory Labeling of AI-Generated Content; Commissioner Ryu Shin-hwan Stresses "Avoiding Uniform Regulation or Intervention"

The Korea Communications and Media Commission (KCCoM) is pushing to expand the mandatory labeling of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content from the creation stage to the distribution stage in connection with the redistributions of AI-generated content.

Commissioner Ryu Shin-hwan of the KCCoM made the remarks on the 11th while announcing media and communications policy directions under the theme of "Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Policies in the AI Era" during a roundtable hosted by the Northeast Asia Community ICT Forum held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The initiative aims to strengthen labeling obligations for portal and platform operators so that users can easily recognize whether content is AI-generated.

Commissioner Ryu stated that through such institutional backing, an environment will be created where users can determine whether the content they encounter was generated by AI.

However, Commissioner Ryu added, "AI has both positive and negative impacts on democracy and fundamental human rights," and noted, "We share the view that it is necessary to maximize corporate autonomy rather than imposing uniform regulations."

Regarding whether to disclose the operating principles of algorithms, Commissioner Ryu said, "As this may correspond to a company's core competitiveness and trade secrets, uniform disclosure or government intervention should be avoided."

Instead, the agency is reviewing measures to grant options to users. For instance, the plan is to discuss and incorporate into policies ways for platform operators to ensure users fully understand algorithm principles and changes, while allowing users to directly choose whether and how recommendations are made.

Commissioner Ryu also emphasized that as damages caused by AI are becoming a reality, legal regulations need to be appropriately utilized in such areas.

Furthermore, Commissioner Ryu stressed the cultivation of "AI media democratic citizens" to foster a sense of responsibility among users, which is just as important as AI literacy.

Commissioner Ryu stated that to create an environment where the public can fully and safely enjoy the benefits of AI and media, balanced policies are needed to strengthen users' ethical awareness in line with accelerating innovation in the AI era.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.