Concerns Grow Over Stricter Safety Standards Led by U.S. AI Companies

There are concerns that if American artificial intelligence (AI) companies, which have already taken the lead in the market, also take the lead in setting safety standards, it could become a barrier to entry for latecomers like South Korea. Experts agreed on the need for discussions about slowing the pace of AI, but pointed out that the industrial competitive landscape could change depending on who sets the standards. Kang Jeongsoo, head of the Blue Dot AI Research Center, said cases of AI unintentionally causing harm are occurring one after another, adding that safety issues are something that should raise awareness among Korean companies as well. Lee Seunghyun, adjunct professor in the Department of Global Culture and Trade at Hanyang University ERICA, emphasized that if global standards become fixed around the United States, it could amount to ‘kicking away the ladder,’ and that South Korea needs to actively participate in international discussions. President Lee Jaemyung said regarding the argument for slowing the pace of AI that the technology has already become a reality, and that crisis is an opportunity. The article also reported expert opinions that AI safety and cybersecurity could lead to the issue of ‘AI sovereignty,’ and that instead of separating development and regulation, the government should have independent capabilities for testing, verification, and control.