South Korea Tightens AI Rules with Watermark Requirement

The legislation is part of the country's broader effort to regulate artificial intelligence and address concerns about misinformation and deceptive AI use. The requirement applies to a wide range of content, including images, text, and audio produced by generative AI systems.

The specific implementation details, such as the type of watermark or metadata required, are expected to be outlined in subsequent enforcement guidelines. Violators could face fines or other penalties. The Act also establishes a legal framework for AI development and use in South Korea, including provisions for safety and ethical standards.

The effectiveness of such requirements remains a topic of debate, as watermarking technologies can be circumvented. The Act positions South Korea among the first to implement mandatory provenance labelling for AI outputs.