The government has begun establishing specific standards, ranging from the scope of recognition for AI (artificial intelligence) data centers to special provisions for power supply and permits. With the implementation of the 'Special Act on the Promotion of the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Industry' (AIDC Special Act) scheduled for next March, preparations are now underway to design the subordinate legislation that will determine the pace of data center construction.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 9th that it held a public forum at Nuri Dream Square in Mapo-gu, Seoul, to prepare subordinate legislation for the AIDC Special Act. The AIDC Special Act, promulgated on June 9, will take effect on March 10, 2027.
The core of these subordinate regulations is to establish detailed criteria for applying the support and special provisions contained in the Special Act to actual on-site operations. At the forum, key issues discussed included: △scope of recognition for AI data centers; △reporting requirements for construction and operation; △consolidated processing of permits and facility special provisions; △special provisions related to power supply; and △procedures and support measures for designating special zones.
In particular, determining which facilities qualify as AI data centers will serve as the standard for future law application and eligibility for support. Special provisions regarding power supply and consolidated permit processing could also impact the construction timeline and business viability of AI data centers requiring large-scale power. However, during today's forum, discussions proceeded by presenting major matters delegated by the law without publicly releasing a draft of specific enforcement decree articles, followed by gathering opinions from various sectors.
At the forum, a research team involved in drafting the enforcement decree presented a framework for the subordinate legislation. Subsequently, Professor Mok Hyung-soo from Konkuk University, Vice President Kim Se-woong of Kakao, Team Leader Lee Chi-young of KT Cloud, Group Head Yoo Nam-seon of Samwoo Comprehensive Architectural Office, Lawyer Lee Hyun-gyu of Kim & Jang Law Firm, and Lawyer Song Do-young of Jihyeong Law Firm participated to discuss relevant issues. This was followed by public statements from attendees representing industry, academia, and research institutions.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has been working on drafting the subordinate legislation through meetings to gather opinions from industry and consultations with related institutions. The ministry plans to review the opinions raised at today's forum, incorporate them into the subordinate legislation, and proceed with follow-up procedures such as legislative notice.
Kim Kyung-man, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Division at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "The AIDC Special Act is a law that will determine the speed of expanding Korea's AI infrastructure; therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the subordinate legislation also functions effectively on the ground." He added, "We will carefully examine the opinions presented today and incorporate them into the subordinate legislation. In the remaining drafting process, we will maintain close communication with industry sites."
in TECH
