The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing innovation to various sectors of our society. While it maximizes efficiency and convenience, it also presents serious challenges by introducing ethical and social issues. The quintessential question that emerged with the AI boom, "Are we truly prepared for the speed and scope of AI?" remains pertinent. Technological progress is dazzling, but the social problems and risks it generates are also growing in magnitude. In recent years, the development of AI technology has led to various negative impacts, including privacy infringements, the spread of misinformation, and algorithmic bias. Experts unanimously agree that an international governance framework, rather than individual national approaches, is urgently needed to address these issues. It is particularly emphasized that effective control is impossible with regulations from a single nation, given AI's characteristic ability to operate across national borders. Dr. Yuval Noah Harari, a world-renowned historian, stressed the importance of international cooperation in his article 'AI Governance Beyond Borders: Building a Global Framework for the Next Decade,' published in Project Syndicate, stating, "The problem of AI is too large and complex to be discussed within the confines of a single nation." He explained that AI technology has the potential to profoundly impact everything from national security to labor markets, and even the very foundations of democracy, asserting that a global framework capable of preserving humanity's shared values must be established. Dr. Harari specifically argues that, given the current pace of AI development, the international community must prevent the misuse and abuse of AI through discussions and agreements comparable to those for nuclear weapons control. This implies the need for an approach that goes beyond mere technological regulation, addressing an existential threat to humanity. As he argues, AI is no longer an option for policymakers but an urgent global challenge that must be resolved. A prime example leading international discussions on AI regulation is the European Union's (EU) draft 'AI Act.' The EU emphasizes ethical standards and transparency in the development and use of AI technology, establishing detailed guidelines for AI developers and companies to adhere to. This legislation classifies AI systems by risk level and adopts a strict regulatory approach for high-risk AI. Specifically, AI used in biometrics, critical infrastructure management, and law enforcement will be subject to high levels of transparency and accountability. This European regulatory model has a strong potential to become a global standard for AI technology control, attracting significant interest from experts as it proposes a universal direction rather than a problem confined to a single continent. However, it is pointed out that such a model may face limitations without cooperation from major IT powers like the United States and China. Indeed, the U.S. favors an innovation-centric approach and is wary of excessive regulation, while China prioritizes its strategic national interests, making global consensus difficult to achieve. The Core of Global Cooperation: The Necessity of AI Regulation The absence of AI regulation can lead to severe socio-economic imbalances. For instance, if AI technology is concentrated in wealthy nations or large corporations, poorer countries and small-to-medium enterprises risk falling further behind due to the technological gap. Dr. Harari emphasizes the need for collective efforts to prevent the deepening of socio-economic inequality caused by AI. If technological monopolies are strengthened, only a few nations and corporations may reap the benefits of AI, while the majority are left to bear its adverse effects. South Korea is no exception. While South Korea's domestic AI industry is rapidly growing, concerns are being raised about the widening gap between small and large enterprises. Furthermore, there is a growing call for South Korea to actively participate in setting ethical standards and international cooperation, rather than solely focusing on technological development, to play a leading role in the global AI technology competition. However, not all national or corporate interests support international AI governance. Some nations regard AI as a strategic weapon, prioritizing its development and utilization for their own benefit. Such an approach is cited as a major impediment to global cooperation and further increases the potential for AI misuse. As Dr. Harari points out, this is not merely a technological race but carries the potential to lead to the collapse of global safety nets. The potential military application of AI is also a serious concern. If AI is used in autonomous weapon systems, AI-powered cyberattacks, or information warfare, it could escalate tensions between nations and trigger new forms of arms races. This could resemble the
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