KaKao

- Presented at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights

- Collaborated with the Korean Society of AI Ethics to add new clauses to existing AI ethics guidelines

 

(November 26, 2024) Kakao is intensifying its efforts to build a safe and trusted AI ecosystem.

 

From November 25 to 27, Kakao (CEO & Founder Shina Chung) participated in the 13th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, hosted by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The forum, held annually, strengthens the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) and brings together governments, businesses, local communities, UN agencies, human rights organizations, and academia.

 

This year’s forum saw the attendance of around 4,000 participants, including Internet and IT experts from various countries. Kakao participated in the first session on the opening day, titled “Responsible Business Conduct in AI,” where they presented on “Ethics for Healthy AI-User Interactions.”

 

The Group Technology Ethics Team’s Ha Jin-hwa, the Project Leader of Kakao’s ESG Committee, the company’s CA Committee, introduced the company’s multi-faceted efforts to protect users’ rights as a technology company. In particular, the presentation of new clauses added to Kakao’s “AI Ethics,” which were developed in response to evolving technologies and social trends. Kakao shared these updates with the international community.

 

The new clause emphasizes “User Agency,” warning against excessive human dependence on AI and committing to prevent uses that threaten physical, mental, or social safety. This addition was made in consultation with the Korean Society of AI Ethics.

 

Since publishing the first "Kakao Algorithm Ethics" in January 2018, Kakao has added three new clauses on topics such as embracing technology (2019), the protection of children and youth (2020), and user privacy protection (2022).

 

In July 2022, Kakao established the “Tech for Good Committee” to oversee technology ethics across its subsidiaries and consider ways for technology and society to evolve together. In March 2023, the committee revised the original Algorithm Ethics Charter and established the “Kakao Group’s Guidelines for Responsible AI,” also known as the “Group AI Ethics Principles.”

 

The AI Ethics Principles include 10 principles, such as User Agency, Inclusivity, Transparency, Privacy, and User Protection, which address various aspects of ethical AI use.

 

Professor Byeon Sun-yong of the Department of Ethics Education at Seoul National University, who helped establish the new clause with Kakao, stated, “The new clause emphasizing user agency and safety is a crucial response to the issues of AI overdependence and obsession in AI-based services. Kakao’s efforts to strengthen AI ethics reflect its social responsibility as a leader in the AI field and will serve as an important guide for the AI service industry.”

 

Lee Sang-ho, Leader of Kakao Group’s Technology Ethics Subcommittee, reaffirmed, “We will continue to refine and implement policies to ensure that Kakao’s AI-based technologies and services contribute to a safer, more inclusive, and trustworthy future.” [End]

 

[Notes] 

Kakao Group’s Guidelines For Responsible AI

https://www.kakaocorp.com/page/responsible/detail/guidelinesForResponsibleAI

 

Philosophy for Sound Interaction Between Humans and AI

https://brunch.co.kr/@kakao-it/475