- Launching a research collaboration framework with prestigious institutions including the University of Oxford and Demos in the UK, and the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto in Canada, focusing on international digital norms

- The framework aims to serve as a central hub, guiding future policy directions to address the deepening digitalization issue, and supporting discussions on international digital norms based on the principles of the 'Digital Bill of Rights'

The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as 'MSIT') announced the establishment of a research collaboration framework with major global research institutions to study international digital norms.

This global partnership on digital norms aims to develop policy frameworks to address deepening digitalization both domestically and internationally, and to establish a base for international cooperation that positions Korea as a key player in global discussions on digital norms. It involves Korea working with major research institutions to study issues related to deepening digitalization, artificial intelligence, and digital rights.

Participants in this collaboration include the University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Toronto, Oxford University, and Demos. These institutions are participating in this framework following the official launch of the 'Digital Society Initiative,' a consultative body between Korea and OECD, which began at the AI Seoul Summit on May 20.

Through this collaboration, each institution will conduct case studies and analyses of legal and institutional frameworks on AI and digital norms in North America (UBC, University of Toronto), proactively research digital rights and human rights (Oxford University, Demos), and identify early policy measures. They will also prepare mid- to long-term strategies for establishing new policies related to AI and digital norms.

UBC will focus on investigating trends in related research and legal systems in North America, based on eight key policy tasks identified in the New Digital Order Promotion Plan. They will compare these findings with Korean data to propose practical applications for new digital order policies. The University of Toronto, which has strengths in the AI field, will analyze trends in AI safety and reliability issues in North America, compare them with Korean cases, and derive related policy frameworks. Oxford University and the UK policy research institute Demos will conduct proactive research on trends in discussions about digital rights and human rights, proposing mid- to long-term policy directions.

Key policy tasks include:

1. Ensuring safety, trust, and ethics in AI technology

2. Responding to fake news using advanced manipulation technologies (Deepfake) based on AI

3. Improving copyright systems related to AI development and utilization

4. Addressing digital disasters, cyber threats, and crimes

5. Enhancing digital accessibility and securing alternative means

6. Stabilizing telemedicine services

7. Protecting the right not to be connected

8. Guaranteeing the right to be forgotten

Additionally, in the second half of the year, MSIT plans to continue promoting mutual exchanges and leading discussions on digital policy by holding joint seminars with these research institutions to share the results of global digital norms research.

Following the establishment of this collaboration framework, MSIT intends to further expand and develop it into a central hub for international digital policy cooperation by engaging with various research institutions in countries like the United States and Germany, beyond Canada and the UK.

Song Sang Hoon, Deputy Minister of the Office of ICT Policy at MSIT, stated, "Korea has made significant efforts to establish digital norms, by developing policies in accordance with the principles of the 'Digital Bill of Rights,' and has actively contributed to international discussions on AI and digital norms by hosting the AI Seoul Summit last May."

He added, "This collaborative framework signifies that Korea has established a foundation, enabling leading international think tanks and research institutions to actively support our country's influence in global discussions, particularly at a time when discussions surrounding AI and digital norms are gaining momentum."

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. 

Please refer to the attached PDF.