South Korea Cracks Down on AI-Generated Ads

South Korea is taking a strong stand against misleading ads created with artificial intelligence. Starting next year, advertisers must clearly label any ads made with AI. This move comes as fake ads, featuring made-up experts or deepfake celebrities, have flooded social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. These ads promote everything from weight-loss pills to illegal gambling sites. The government is serious about this issue. They plan to revise laws to enforce these new rules and impose hefty fines on those who break them. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook will also be responsible for ensuring advertisers follow the labeling rules. This is a big deal because AI-generated ads are becoming harder to detect and control. The problem is growing fast. In 2024, over 97, 600 illegal online ads for food and pharmaceutical products were identified. This is a huge increase from previous years. The ads are also spreading to other areas like private education, cosmetics, and illegal gambling services. Government agencies are struggling to keep up with the flood of fake ads. To tackle this, the government plans to introduce stricter monitoring and faster takedown procedures. They will also use AI to bolster their monitoring capabilities. Despite the risks, South Korea is embracing AI technology. The government is investing in AI-specific chips and expanding chip manufacturing hubs. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok emphasized the importance of minimizing the side effects of new technologies. The government is also pushing for wireless carriers to transition to 5G standalone networks, which are better suited for advanced AI applications. This shows South Korea's commitment to staying ahead in the global AI race.