Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission to Pursue 'Media Basic Society' with AI Labeling and Algorithmic Transparency

The Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission is set to implement a 'Media Basic Society' by promoting AI-generated content labeling, enhancing the transparency of content recommendation algorithms, and expanding media accessibility to all individuals with disabilities.

The commission aims to foster a trusted media environment and boost the competitiveness of the broadcasting and media industry by reforming laws related to broadcasting and online video services (OTT), improving broadcasting regulations, and strengthening responses to illegal information.

■ Realizing a 'Media Basic Society'… AI Labeling and Algorithmic Transparency

The commission announced its core tasks and policy vision for the second half of this year during a briefing at the Blue House Guest House on July 16.

The 'Media Basic Society' proposed by the commission refers to a society where every citizen is guaranteed the practical right to participate in, access, and freely choose safe and reliable media.

First, the commission will establish procedures for public participation in the media policy process, such as production support and the blocking of illegal or harmful information, while strengthening media literacy education and AI response training across different life stages.

The scope of guaranteed media accessibility will be expanded from the current focus on the visually and hearing impaired to all individuals with disabilities, and a comprehensive plan for media inclusion will be established.

The commission also plans to improve the disaster broadcasting system to ensure that anyone, regardless of disability, can access necessary information in a timely manner.

To guarantee the right to choose safe and reliable media, the commission will push for an AI-generated content labeling system and establish an institutional foundation to increase the transparency of content recommendation algorithms.

It also plans to create a comprehensive media legal framework covering both broadcasting and online video services (OTT), and to reorganize fragmented laws and support systems related to broadcasting and media.

■ Improving Broadcasting Regulations and Strengthening Responses to Illegal Information… Preparing for '100 Years of Media' in 2027

To strengthen the competitiveness of the broadcasting and media industry, the commission will rationally improve regulations on ownership, cross-media holdings, advertising, and programming, and establish a promotion strategy for paid broadcasting media.

It will support content planning using viewership data and provide AI technology training for broadcasting and media personnel, while continuing to push for the establishment of the Korea Broadcasting and Media Communications Promotion Institute.

The scope of measures to prevent the distribution of illegal footage will be expanded from videos to include images, and the commission will conduct on-site inspections to verify whether information and communications service providers are implementing necessary technical and administrative measures.

The commission also plans to introduce an emergency blocking system for illegal information such as drugs and to advance technologies for blocking such content.

To strengthen the local media ecosystem, the commission will expand support for the production of community-oriented programs and establish collaboration systems between local broadcasters, AI companies, and universities.

It plans to foster young creators and expand local media hubs and viewer media centers to enhance regional content production capabilities.

The commission aims to make 2027, which marks 100 years of Korean broadcasting, the starting point for a new 100 years of broadcasting and media communications, and will promote related commemorative projects.

It will prioritize reviewing the hosting of the 2027 Asia Media Summit in a regional city and has decided to consult with relevant ministries on the launch of the 'Media Development Committee,' a social deliberative body to discuss the mid-to-long-term direction of media policy.

Kim Jong-cheol, Chairperson of the Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission, stated, "We will realize a Media Basic Society that practically guarantees the right for everyone to participate in, access, and choose safe and reliable media," adding, "We will vigorously open a new 100 years of broadcasting and media communications for the Republic of Korea."

(Photo: Provided by the Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.