**Basic Intelligence Informatization Act Effective from the 27th, with a One-Year Guidance Period**
(Seoul=News1) Reporter Na Yeon-jun – Starting from the 27th, operators of unmanned information terminals, such as kiosks, will be required to deploy personnel who can assist or provide mandatory voice guidance.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 26th that the “Basic Intelligence Informatization Act” and its enforcement ordinance, which mandate measures to improve information access and convenience for people with disabilities and the elderly in the installation and operation of unmanned information terminals, will come into effect on the 27th.
Unmanned information terminals have been increasingly used since their pilot introduction in public institutions and banks in the early 2000s, extending to restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and unmanned shops. However, issues such as height adjustment and small font sizes have made it difficult for visually impaired individuals, wheelchair users, and children to use them, indicating a need for improvement.
Henceforth, operators of unmanned information terminals must take at least one of the following actions: deploy personnel to assist users, provide real-time voice guidance services, install unmanned information terminals that meet verification standards, provide compatible software for the terminals, or offer a supportive website or application software.
Failure to comply may lead the Minister of Science and ICT to order rectification within a year. If the order is ignored, a fine of up to 30 million KRW can be imposed (9 million KRW for the first offense, 15 million KRW for the second offense, and 24 million KRW for the third offense). However, for small business owners, considering their realistic capacity to bear fines and economic conditions, fines may be waived by the Minister of Science and ICT.
Furthermore, under the revised law, the Minister of Science and ICT can also conduct surveys to ensure communication accessibility of unmanned information terminals.
Regarding the “Basic Intelligence Informatization Act,” the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to provide a one-year guidance period for the obligation to provide information access and usability of unmanned information terminals, as stipulated in Article 46-2 of the law, deferring corrective orders and fines. This is a measure considering the challenging business environment of small business owners and self-employed individuals.
During the one-year guidance period, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to enhance promotion by providing guidelines for the installation and operation of unmanned information terminals and through regional seminars to ensure smooth implementation of the system.
Song Sang-hoon, Director of the Information and Communication Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “We will lead the development of AI and digital technologies while thoroughly reviewing and supporting to prevent new forms of discrimination and exclusion that may arise from these technologies.”