South Korea to Offer Free AI Chatbot to All Citizens

South Korea announced plans to provide all its citizens with free and unlimited access to a domestically developed artificial intelligence chatbot. This initiative aims to democratize AI technology and make its benefits widely available across the population. The government intends to launch a beta version of the chatbot in September, allowing citizens to test and provide feedback on its capabilities.

In addition to the general-purpose chatbot, a separate AI agent is being developed specifically to assist individuals in navigating and accessing government services. This specialized agent is designed to streamline interactions with public administration, making it easier for citizens to find information, complete forms, and understand bureaucratic processes. The government has not yet disclosed the specific AI models or underlying technologies that will power these services, but the focus is on domestic development and control.

The project underscores South Korea's commitment to becoming a leader in AI innovation and ensuring its citizens are not left behind in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. By offering free access, the government hopes to foster widespread AI literacy and encourage the adoption of AI tools for both personal and professional use. Further details regarding the chatbot's functionalities and the government services it will support are expected to be released closer to the beta launch date.