[Exclusive] Government's First 'High-Impact AI' Determination: 'Facial Recognition Technology for Criminal Investigation'

South Korea's Ministry of Science and Technology has identified two AI technologies developed for crime investigation as "high-impact AI" since the implementation of the AI Basic Act in January. These technologies, used for facial recognition, were deemed to have significant impacts on people's rights and safety. The Ministry processed 16 requests from companies to determine if their AI technologies qualified as high-impact, with two receiving the designation and 12 not qualifying.

Companies classified as high-impact AI must inform users, establish risk management plans, and ensure human oversight.