Science ministry unveils AI regulatory-check service for 300 businesses

The science ministry said it will begin offering 300 companies a generative AI service to check regulations and licensing requirements for new technologies and services, with vouchers available from Aug. 25.

The ministry said rapid advances in AI and other information and communications technologies, along with greater convergence between industries, mean new technologies and services can face a complex mix of laws and regulations across multiple ministries. That has increased the need for companies to identify relevant requirements accurately and quickly at an early stage, it said.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and NIPA will provide the service. It will use AI to search laws and regulations and assess whether permits or approvals may be needed. The service targets ICT Regulatory Sandbox applicants and other interested businesses.

Before the broader rollout, the ministry supported a two-week pilot for 30 ICT Regulatory Sandbox applicant companies from July 29 through Aug. 12. After reflecting feedback from participating companies, it will issue vouchers to interested businesses from Aug. 25. The vouchers cover use through year-end, and companies can apply through the ICT Regulatory Sandbox website.

"We will actively support the use of generative AI to reduce companies' burden in checking regulations and, when necessary, to connect them smoothly with ICT Regulatory Sandbox consultations and applications," Hong Seong-wan, the science ministry's ICT policy director, said.