The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) announced on the 14th that it will strengthen monitoring and revise subordinate laws to ensure that the public can practically feel the benefits of reduced communication costs following the repeal of the Telecommunications Device Distribution Improvement Act (device law). In its 2025 work plan, the KCC stated it would eliminate the regulations on the announcement criteria for subsidies and establish types and criteria for unfair subsidy discrimination based on region, age, and physical condition.
Kim Tae-kyu, Acting Chairperson of the KCC, noted in a briefing the previous day, "While we will monitor the market turmoil related to illegal distribution of subsidies, we will continuously monitor and assess the situation regarding exaggerated advertisements and forcing high-priced rate plans." He added that preparations are underway to amend the Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act before the repeal of the device law and also mentioned the need for KCC normalization.
Regarding the conflict over regulatory authority with the Fair Trade Commission related to the device law, he added, "We are coordinating with the Fair Trade Commission and will work to ensure that there are no disadvantages to telecommunications operators."
Additionally, the KCC plans to establish a comprehensive plan for user protection in the AI industry and to enact user protection guidelines and laws for generative AI. The guidelines will include technical management measures such as ensuring service explainability, filtering, and reporting functions, while the user protection law is expected to specify differentiated regulations based on AI types, assessment of user protection activities, and dispute resolution systems.
The KCC aims to achieve a reduction in communication costs and an enhancement of AI user protection that the public can feel through these measures.