The South Korean data protection authority participated in the 65th Asia-Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum (APPA) to present its policies on artificial intelligence and sanctions, and to launch an international cooperation initiative.

At the forum held in Hong Kong on June 16 and 17, the Chairperson of the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) detailed South Korean developments. A bill is under review in parliament to create an "AI exception," which would allow the use of original data for artificial intelligence development under strict conditions, including public or social interest, enhanced security measures, and commission approval. The Chairperson also presented the strengthening of the sanctions regime effective from September, which will introduce punitive fines of up to 10% of total turnover for serious or repeated violations, in addition to the existing regime capped at 3%.

The forum also marked the official launch of a "task force on combating illegal circulation of personal data," an initiative led by the South Korean government. This group brings together supervisory authorities from seven countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, and the Philippines. Its objective is to establish practical cooperation to combat cross-border illicit dissemination of personal data in the region, notably through the creation of a dedicated communication channel and the development of a guide.