The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) of South Korea has presented its work plan for the second half of 2026, centered on preventive data protection to support innovation in artificial intelligence and strengthen individuals' rights.

The plan establishes a transition to a preventive protection system, with regular inspections in high-risk sectors and enhanced support for the 2,300 public sector organizations. Financial incentives, in the form of fine reductions, are planned for companies investing in protection measures exceeding legal obligations. For SMEs and very small enterprises, a conditional warning procedure linked to compliance will be introduced for minor breaches. At the same time, the plan aims to facilitate innovation by creating a special exemption for the use of original data in AI development for public interest purposes, subject to security guarantees. The PIPC also plans to expand international data transfer mechanisms by introducing standard contractual clauses and binding corporate rules.

Several regulatory reforms are also announced to strengthen individuals' rights and the effectiveness of sanctions. A system of statutory damages will be consolidated, placing the burden of proof on the company in case of data breach, and a fund financed by fines will be created for victim compensation. To accelerate case processing, dedicated investigation teams will be formed for major incidents involving more than one million people. New offenses will be created, notably for concealment or destruction of evidence and for the commercialization of personal data from leaks on the dark web, the latter being punishable by up to five years imprisonment and 50 million won fine. Finally, guidelines will be established for the processing of deceased persons' data.