South Korea is giving its entire population free access to AI, no token limits
The government's "AI for All" program will begin beta testing in September, followed by a broader launch later this year. On Friday, Seoul named three technology consortia to provide the services. They include groups led by the country's two largest telecom companies and the operator of Kakao, one of South... Read Entire Article
South Korea is launching a groundbreaking initiative to grant its entire population free access to generative AI services, with no token limits. The government's "AI for All" program aims to integrate AI into daily life by offering assistance with tasks such as booking medical appointments, finding housing, and navigating taxes.
The program, set to begin beta testing in September and roll out nationwide later this year, involves three technology consortia led by South Korea's largest telecom companies and the operator of Kakao, the nation's most widely used consumer platform.
These AI apps will be integrated into existing products and services, enabling residents to use them for various practical purposes. Small businesses will also be able to leverage AI for tax calculations and identifying eligibility for government support. Parents can expect recommendations for educational content tailored to their children.
Seoul will contribute some of the necessary computing power through up to 512 Nvidia B200 chips, helping to cover operational costs, though the program's total expense remains undisclosed.
This initiative aligns with South Korea's broader strategy to bolster its domestic AI industry, aiming to decrease reliance on foreign AI systems primarily developed in the US and China. By offering premium AI services at no cost, the government seeks to encourage the adoption of locally developed AI solutions. South Korea already boasts a significant market for generative AI, with about one-quarter of its citizens already paying for such services, a stark contrast to the 2% of Americans who do so, according to recent surveys.
The rollout of this program is supported by a substantial increase in AI spending under President Lee Jae Myung's administration, with allocations of approximately 10 trillion won ($7.2 billion) earmarked for AI-related projects in 2026, marking a threefold increase from the previous year. The ultimate success of this endeavor will hinge on the reliability and practicality of the AI systems, as they are expected to serve as a foundational component of South Korea's digital infrastructure. The government has yet to set a specific adoption target for these new AI services.
Written by urgent.news from TechSpot's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
