국가 차원 ‘AI 기본사회’ 비전·실행계획 세우자 [왜냐면]

The Korean government is striving to become an AI powerhouse by building data centers, developing independent foundation models, and implementing various measures. However, it seems that establishing the foundation of the AI-based society and promoting policies related to it is being neglected. Unlike previous industrialization that heavily relied on labor, AI-driven growth can quickly replace labor, potentially exacerbating inequality if not managed properly.

The government must not only mention the "AI-based society" but also create concrete execution plans for basic income, capital, and services. This requires innovative reforms in taxation and finance. As the G20 chair in 2028, the government hopes to lead discussions on creating a new social safety net in the AI era. Renowned economist Thomas Piketty, who Piketty shared a short conversation with during a visit to Paris in mid-July, suggested that the government should actively participate in formulating basic society policies.

Piketty emphasized that the inequality caused by high capital returns under capitalism will be further intensified by AI, and proactive government intervention is necessary for income and wealth redistribution. The government should consider introducing a basic capital (minimum inheritance) to address the issue of wealth concentration.

Given that South Korea's poverty rate is higher than the OECD average, particularly among the elderly, the introduction of a basic income should be prioritized. However, as long as wealth inequality persists, the government should also accelerate the introduction of a basic capital system. The recent discussion among AI big tech CEOs about limiting AI development speed to prevent it from surpassing human control has highlighted the need for international cooperation on AI regulation.

International organizations such as the UN, OECD, and major economies must engage in discussions on AI regulation. While tech executives like Elon Musk and Sam Altman have advocated for a basic income in the AI era, it has not yet been formally discussed in global forums. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has called for a comprehensive discussion on the government's response to the risks of AI surpassing human control and replacing human labor, including adjusting taxation on labor and capital.

Specific measures such as taxing AI tokens and robots, implementing a future response fund financed by excess taxes, and reforming real estate taxes and basic pension systems, which are closely related to the concept of the "basic society," have not been adequately addressed in discussions.