The government of South Korea, under President Lee Jae‑myung, has announced that starting next year, advertisers will be required to clearly label any ads created with artificial intelligence tools. This move is aimed at tackling the rise of misleading or deceptive content online, particularly on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
Under the new rules, all AI‑generated images, videos, or posts used in advertising must be marked as such, and tampering with or removing these labels will be prohibited. Platforms hosting these ads will also bear responsibility, with non-compliance potentially leading to fines and stricter regulations.
The decision comes amid concerns over a wave of fake or manipulated ads promoting dubious or risky products, including questionable pharmaceuticals and gambling services, often targeting vulnerable groups like the elderly. Regulators say these ads threaten market order and public trust, necessitating prompt action.
While cracking down on misleading content, the South Korean government continues to advance broader AI ambitions, supporting chip manufacturing, AI-driven infrastructure, and policies designed to strengthen the country’s position in the global AI landscape.
