The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 4th the status of the core projects for 2025 and revealed measures to stabilize communication costs, such as the optimal rate notice system, as well as the relaxation of regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
To support the public's rational choice of rate plans next month, the Ministry of Science and ICT is moving forward with amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act to introduce the 'optimal rate notice system' (drafting the amendment) and plans to revise related notifications to reduce wholesale prices for budget mobile carriers within this month. The ministry also plans to support discussions in the National Assembly regarding amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act related to the regulation of entry for mass texting businesses to eradicate illegal spam this month.
Additionally, to support the growth of local small business owners, the ministry will initiate discussions with stakeholders, including cable TV and home shopping, regarding the institutionalization of regional channel commerce broadcasting (in February) and push for amendments to the Broadcasting Act. The ministry plans to initiate stakeholder consultations this month regarding the institutionalization of regional channel commerce broadcasting to support local small businesses and also prepare a pilot project for an X-ray system to preemptively block smishing messages to prevent smishing damage.
The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to hold an information session on the national AI computing center construction project this month and provide guidelines for participation to corporations and institutions that submit their intent to participate by 5 p.m. on the 28th. By the end of February, a strategy for the development of AI computing infrastructure, including the expansion of AI computing infrastructure and improvement of data center regulations, will be prepared and announced.
Furthermore, to strengthen AI and software education allowing young people to find new opportunities and challenges in the growing AI and software fields, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Employment will sign a memorandum of understanding. This will enhance cooperation between the two ministries in nurturing digital talent and linking vocational training projects, and plans to establish motivation training for 'youth who have rested' as well.
Minister Yoo Sang-im plans to participate in the 'AI behavior summit' in France on the 10th of this month and lead discussions on global AI norms. At the summit, which will include heads of state and corporate representatives from various countries, the minister will share and propose South Korea's leading AI policies, including the sharing of the AI Basic Act, the second law of its kind in the world, promoting the Digital Inclusion Act to address digital inequalities affecting all members of society, and a proposal for South Korea to chair the 'International AI Safety Research Institute Network.'
Minister Yoo stated, "In the serious political situation, all members, including myself, are doing their utmost with a heavy sense of responsibility to support the difficult livelihoods of the people and contribute to economic recovery, and we will carefully check to ensure that core tasks are quickly felt in the lives and industries of the public, and we will thoroughly explain them to the people."