Digital Empowerment

Data Protection in the Era of AI – 2024 Digital Platform Series

The third seminar of the Digital Empowerment - 2024 Digital Platform series, focusing on “Data Protection in the Era of AI”, took place on July 18, 2024. The 'Digital Empowerment' online seminar series is a collaborative project by FNF Korea and the Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute (KLID) which 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.

Kim Tae-Sung, Professor at Chungbuk National University, opened his presentation on “Information Security Governance and AI”, introducing various examples of regulations aimed to set standards for AI governance, such as the EU AI Act. He emphasized the necessity of official standards and effective risk mitigation strategies while also stressing the importance of transparency, as AI has recently become an issue of public interest. Kim finally showcased methods and tools to be applied in decision-making and risk management regarding investment for better and safer governance strategies.

The second presentation was a contribution by Shin Sung-Chul, Director of CryptoLab, a company working in the development of private AI that ensures data security. He gave valuable insights in the privacy issues posed by several established AI services by showcasing related safety concerns. Shin closed his presentation by introducing private AI as a technology for personal information protection.

The seminar concluded with an engaged discussion session moderated by Oh Min-Jung, Professor at the Korean National University of Education. Broadcasted live on YouTube, the discussion addressed the participants’ preliminary questions and questions raised through real-time chat. The participants’ interest mainly concerned questions of data security in AI learning.

The discussion once again pointed out the significant importance of benefit-risk assessments when dealing with personal data in all processes related to AI. Kim stressed the significance of accurately determining the value of the information as a matter of applying measures of data protection and investment management decisions. Oh emphasized the use of anonymized data for public purposes and scientific research while yet again underscoring the necessity of the individual to pre-consider which personal information to share, despite existing safety measures.

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

*Elisabeth Gläser studies Early Modern & Modern History and Political Science at the University of Freiburg and is currently doing an internship at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Korea office in Seoul.