Digital Empowerment: A.I. for the Public Sector

The second seminar of the "Digital Empowerment – 2024 Digital Platform" series, focusing on "A.I. for the Public Sector," took place on May 30, 2024. This seminar series, co-organized by FNF Korea and the Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute (KLID), aims to enhance the digital capacity and capabilities of local governments and related institutions in the region. Since 2020, FNF and KLID have been facilitating online seminars to foster advancements in digital governance.

Kang, Hyun-Koo, Team Lead of AI-Service Innovation Team at National Information Society Agency, opened his presentation on ‘Utilizing Hyperscale-AI-based Services’, addressing the gap between the rapid development of AI technology and the challenges of its practical implementation in local governance. He emphasized the importance of consulting experts when adopting AI, due to the complexities involving data security, scale determination, maintenance, and operational methods. Kang showcased exemplary cases from various local governments, such as Hwaseong City’s citizen consultation chatbot and the South Korean government’s AI-driven infertility treatment prediction and care services.

The second presentation was delivered by Jung, Hye-Kyung, Senior Manager from Seoul Metropolitan Government's Information System Division. She discussed the development of ‘Seoul City Chatbot SeoulTalk,’ an AI-driven chatbot designed to handle inquiries related to Seoul’s municipal services. Based on the KakaoTalk platform which is the most widely used messaging app in South Korea, "SeoulTalk" offers easy access without requiring additional app installations. The service facilitates public services like civil service applications, reservations for public facilities such as soccer fields and meeting rooms, and book searches within the Seoul library network.

The seminar concluded with a lively discussion session moderated by Oh, Minjung, Professor at the Korean National University of Education. Broadcasted live on YouTube, participants engaged through real-time chat, raising questions on various topics, including the ethical considerations and copyright issues in AI services, sparked by recent controversies like OpenAI's use of a Scarlett Johansson-like voice in its new AI service.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around privacy and security in AI applications. Kang stressed the critical importance of safeguarding personal data and security when employing AI in public sectors. He introduced several guidelines issued by the South Korean government on public AI usage. Jung provided an in-depth overview of the development process and background of the "SeoulTalk" chatbot, addressing inquiries from the predominantly local government official attendees.

The seminar series will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing the digital governance landscape in South Korea and in Asia. The next seminar is scheduled for July 2024. The seminar can be watched again on FNF Korea's YouTube channel.

*Lin Choi is the Program & Communications Officer of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Korea office