South Korea has enacted a comprehensive law on the safe use of AI, becoming the first country to establish such a regulatory framework, according to the science ministry.

The AI Basic Act, which took effect on January 22, 2026, addresses issues like misinformation and deepfake content, and assigns responsibility to AI developers and companies.

The law introduces the concept of “high-risk AI,” covering applications in employment, loan reviews, and healthcare, which must inform users of their AI basis and ensure safety.

AI-generated content must include watermarks to prevent misuse.

🔗 Source: Yonhap