South Korea Formally Enacts World’s First Comprehensive AI Safety Law

_{Photo credit: CJ Nattanai / Shutterstock.com} 

South Korea has taken a significant step in AI regulation by enacting the world’s first comprehensive law regulating the safe use of artificial intelligence. 

The Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of a Foundation for Trustworthiness, known as the AI Basic Act, officially came into force on January 22, 2026. 

Companies and developers are mandated by the act to take more responsibility for managing the risks of generative AI. This includes adding clear watermarks to AI-generated content, giving advance notice regarding the use of high-risk or generative AI, and making sure there is human oversight in any situations deemed high risk. 

High-risk scenarios are those that have the potential to significantly affect people’s lives, including financial and medical advice.

The act also allows for fines on offenders of up to 30 million won (approx. US$20,440). The South Korean government, however, is granting a one-year grace period to help businesses adjust to the regulatory guidelines.

Meanwhile, the parts of the EU’s AI Act introducing new rules for high-risk AI scenarios are not due to take effect until August 2027.

South Korea has positioned the new law as part of its ambition to become one of the world’s leading AI powers. President Lee Jae Myung has indicated the country seeks to balance support for AI innovation with preventing possible harms.