Personal Information Protection System Redesigned Around AI... 3rd Basic Plan Announced

Personal Information Protection Commission Announces Basic Plan for 2027–2029

Reflecting the Era of AI Transformation and Establishing a Prevention-Oriented Protection System

The Personal Information Protection Commission has unveiled a blueprint for personal information policy that aims to build a data regulatory framework reflecting the artificial intelligence (AI) environment and to shift the focus of protection systems toward prevention in response to the sharp increase in personal data leakage incidents.

On July 3, the Personal Information Protection Commission announced the “3rd Basic Plan for Personal Information Protection (2027–2029)” at the Economic Ministers’ Meeting. The basic plan, which the commission prepares every three years in accordance with the law, outlines personal information policy initiatives to be pursued over the next three years.

The basic plan focuses on four main strategies and twelve key initiatives: ▲ Innovating the personal information protection system in the era of AI transformation ▲ Establishing a preventive protection system ▲ Advancing strategic personal information policy ▲ Enhancing public rights and establishing a culture of trust.

First, in response to concerns that uniform regulations designed before the advent of AI environments make legal compliance difficult and restrict data utilization, the commission will shift to a principle-based protection system that regulates protection in proportion to risk. In addition, to quickly address uncertainties in the handling of personal information during the AI transformation (AX) process, a comprehensive support hub called the “AX Safe Support Center” will be operated.

The commission will also establish regulatory systems and protection standards for emerging technologies, including reviewing accountability structures for decision-making by agentic AI, guaranteeing rights in response to expanded real-time data collection by physical AI, and conducting risk assessments. Furthermore, the commission will introduce safety measures that address the growing cyber threats posed by AI and establish strategies for preventing data tampering.

The personal information protection system will be shifted to focus on prevention. Proactive protection measures taken by companies before a breach will be incentivized, such as reducing penalties for data leaks, while illegal acts, including neglecting management obligations, will be met with stricter punishments. The commission will introduce enforcement surcharges to enhance the effectiveness of investigations and strengthen its scientific investigation capabilities.

The response infrastructure will be reorganized to focus on “resilience support.” In the event of a data leak at a small or medium-sized enterprise, the commission will provide technical support for recovery, and offer tailored consulting services and protection and security support programs for small and micro businesses. It will also cultivate specialized personnel for personal information protection who can respond to incidents, and build a platform for managing AI security professionals.

Personal information protection will be treated as a government-wide initiative. In high-risk sectors such as telecommunications and education, the Personal Information Protection Commission and relevant ministries will jointly inspect and manage data, while an early warning system will be established to identify threats to personal information. Overlapping regulations on personal information will be reasonably coordinated, and cooperation among relevant regulatory agencies will be strengthened.

For citizens affected by personal information leaks, a one-stop rights relief system will be established, enabling the entire process from reporting and investigation to dispute resolution and compensation. An AI-based personal information management platform will be built to help citizens monitor and manage the status of their personal information processing.

Song Kyunghee, Chairperson of the Personal Information Protection Commission, stated, “This three-year basic plan redesigns the personal information regulatory framework to suit the AI environment and establishes a preventive protection system. We will focus our policy capacity on creating an environment where the public can safely enjoy the benefits of AI, and companies can innovate based on trust.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.