Jeju lawmaker proposes South Korea's first AI democracy ordinance

Jeju Provincial Council member Han Kwon has introduced the ‘Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Artificial Intelligence Democracy Realization Support Ordinance,’ a first-of-its-kind legislative attempt in South Korea to institutionalize the use of AI from a democratic perspective.

The ordinance defines AI used by the Jeju provincial government and its affiliated agencies for public services or policy-making as ‘public artificial intelligence.’ It establishes core principles such as disclosing the facts, roles, and limitations of AI usage, clarifying responsible parties, preventing bias and discrimination, and respecting the free judgment of citizens.

To protect citizen rights, the ordinance includes mechanisms for providing explanations and procedures for objections or re-evaluations when AI outcomes significantly impact rights or duties. Additionally, it aims to use AI to expand citizen participation through workshops, online forums, and public hearings, supported by an ‘AI governance platform.’ The proposal also calls for the establishment of an ‘AI Democracy Committee’ and the creation of a basic plan every five years.