Ética & Regulação
South Korea Requires AI Scanning for All Uploaded Content by 2026
Dr. Adrian Vale
LLM, AI Agents & AI Infrastructure Specialist
4 min read
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LLM, AI Agents & AI Infrastructure Specialist
Starting July 2026, South Korea will enforce AI scanning for all user-uploaded images and videos on online platforms, aiming to combat illegal content. Critics cite concerns over privacy, freedom of expression, and the financial burden on small businesses, which could lead to market consolidation and hinder innovation.
Beginning July 1, 2026, online platforms in South Korea will be required to implement AI technology to scan every user-uploaded image and video. This mandate, part of the Telecommunications Business Act, is designed to curb illegal content, including non-consensual pornography and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While supporters argue it enhances online safety, the regulation faces criticism over costs, privacy concerns, and potential impacts on freedom of expression.
The cost of implementing AI scanning systems is a major concern, especially for smaller companies and independent platforms. Key cost components include:
These expenses could force many small businesses to shut down or deter new market entrants. Larger tech companies with existing infrastructure may gain a competitive edge, leading to market centralization and reduced diversity.
Mandatory AI scanning raises significant privacy concerns. Scanning all user-uploaded content creates an environment of constant surveillance, increasing the risk of misuse and overreach. Key issues include:
Digital rights advocates argue that robust safeguards are essential to prevent abuse and protect user rights.
The regulation could have long-term consequences for South Korea’s tech ecosystem, particularly:
Despite its intentions, experts question whether the law will significantly reduce illegal content. Challenges include:
The effectiveness of this regulation will depend on ongoing technological advancements and enforcement strategies.
As the July 2026 deadline approaches, several developments are worth monitoring:
South Korea’s AI scanning mandate represents a significant shift in the regulation of online content. While it aims to tackle pressing issues like illegal content, its broader implications for privacy, market competition, and innovation cannot be ignored. Balancing safety with digital freedoms will be crucial as the nation navigates its path toward implementation.
Starting July 2026, South Korea will require online platforms to use AI to scan all user-uploaded images and videos to combat illegal content like CSAM and non-consensual pornography.
Small businesses face high costs for implementing AI scanning technology, including expensive GPUs and infrastructure upgrades, which may lead to closures or market exits.
Critics worry about constant surveillance, potential misuse of user data, lack of transparency in data handling, and the risk of over-moderation infringing on freedom of expression.
💡 Dica Pro: Consider adapting AI scanning using edge computing to reduce costs and reliance on centralized GPUs. This approach processes data locally, enhancing both efficiency and privacy compliance.
