Personal Information Protection Commission opens AI privacy reform consultation

South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said on Aug. 5 it will accept public proposals from Aug. 6 for an overhaul of privacy rules for the growing use of artificial intelligence.

The commission said a consent-centered system designed for an earlier digital environment may not ensure effective protection and can burden AI-service users. It will re-examine safeguards, paring back formalistic regulations while concentrating on necessary protections.

It cited obstacles to international joint research using pseudonymized data, where consent is required for overseas transfers even when individuals can no longer be identified. AI agents may also trigger requests for new consent when they collaborate or link to external services and tools.

Robots, drones and smart glasses pose privacy issues existing laws may not readily cover as physical AI devices spread, the commission said.

The commission plans to announce its reform direction within the year following consultation with citizens, businesses and experts. "Creating a new balance so personal information is protected safely in the AI era while data is used responsibly to benefit the public and society is the commission's role," Chairperson Song Kyung-hee said.