President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent proclamation of the “Digital Bill of Rights” at New York University serves as a powerful reminder of the global race for digital dominance. With this declaration, President Yoon aims to ensure equitable access, safety, and the enhancement of humanity’s well-being in the digital realm. Yet, in a world where digital superpowers are emerging, how can Korea ensure its own place and safeguard these digital rights?
Digital disparities and the monopoly menace
Historically, freedom and equality have often been the prerogative of the powerful, and there’s a growing concern that the digital age might mirror this trend. Major players like Google and Baidu already monopolize the global digital landscape, making it crucial for Korea to carve its own digital path.
Mirroring this trend, Korea’s homegrown search engine, Naver, developed by NHN, has seen remarkable success. Thanks to overseas markets and the popularity of Line, a messenger app by NHN Japan, Korea is now considered a top-three digital power alongside America and China.
The AI era: A crucial juncture
With the rise of AI giants like ChatGPT, traditional digital platforms are undergoing a seismic shift. These AI behemoths aren’t just revolutionizing industries but are also reshaping economies, cultures, and even national defenses. Given AI’s significant influence, countries that fail to establish their own AI powerhouses risk becoming digitally enslaved, reliant on foreign AI systems and the associated costs.
Experts predict that within the next two decades, the global AI landscape will mirror the current digital world. While the U.S. and China are expected to dominate their respective regions, areas like Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East remain up for grabs.
Korea’s potential AI alliance
For Korea to emerge as a dominant AI player, it must:
Maintain its technological edge in AI.
Garner massive capital investments to build and operate extensive AI systems.
Secure a user base of at least 500 million to rival American and Chinese competitors.
Given Korea’s technological prowess in AI, the primary challenges lie in the latter two conditions. With this in mind, Korea’s best bet might be an alliance with other digitally rich countries.
A vision for a shared digital future
Countries such as Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia can play pivotal roles in this proposed alliance. By respecting each country’s interests and jointly developing the system, Korea can position itself as a digital collaborator rather than a hegemonic force.
The ideal alliance model is reminiscent of OpenAI, which promotes participation and utilization by all. By employing a “distributed AI system,” each country could specialize in specific knowledge sectors. For instance, while Korea focuses on comprehensive knowledge, Japan might specialize in medical data, and Vietnam in historical contexts.
Government support is imperative
For this vision to be realized, the Korean government needs to pivot its approach to AI. Recognizing AI as a pillar of the nation’s future, just as it did for shipbuilding and auto-making industries decades ago, is paramount. As the stakes with AI transcend technology and economy to impact defense and culture, governmental backing, both administratively and fiscally, is crucial.
Diplomatic endeavors should also be initiated to foster AI collaborations with foreign counterparts, ensuring that Korea doesn’t lag behind in the AI race.
While President Yoon’s “Digital Bill of Rights” has set a visionary precedent, its realization will depend on Korea’s strategic maneuvers in the AI arena. The time is ripe for Korea to lead, collaborate, and champion digital rights for all.
