Coverage checkerWhat does South Korea's AI Basic Act require of generative AI services?
If Korean users can reach your product, since 22 January 2026 you must tell them in advance that it runs on generative AI, and label its output as AI-generated, either visibly or machine-readably; a machine-readable label needs a one-time notice to the user as well. The Act reaches businesses abroad.
Evaluated on 18 October 2026 from SignUnder’s rule packs (ca-ai-transparency-act@2026.10.12, cn-ai-labelling-measures@2026.10.13, eu-ai-act-art50@2026.10.12, eu-code-of-practice@2026.10.12, in-it-rules-synthetic@2026.10.13, kr-ai-basic-act@2026.10.13, ny-gbl-396b@2026.10.12, platform-labels@2026.10.12). Your situation may differ: open these answers in the checker and change them.
Tell users in advance that the service runs on AI
In force since 22 January 2026If Korean users can reach your generative AI product, tell them in advance that it runs on generative AI: in the terms, contract or manual, on the screen, or where the service is provided. This is the Article 31 duty with a direct fine of up to KRW 30 million. The Act applies to businesses abroad whose service affects Korean users.
Label generated output, visibly or machine-readably
In force since 22 January 2026Indicate that output was generated by generative AI, either in a way a person can perceive or in a way a machine can read; if you choose machine-readable (a signed manifest or a watermark), also tell the user at least once, in text or voice, that the output is AI-generated. Not needed where AI use is obvious from the product or the output.
“a method a machine can read”
Not confirmed: A law firm reports a one-year grace before fines, to about 22 January 2027; neither the Act nor the Decree contains it and we have not found the Ministry's statement.
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