■ Event: 2023 Digital Platform Policy Forum Launching Ceremony

■ Date: March 07, 2023 (Tuesday)

■ Venue: Korea Institute of Science and Technology Center

On March 7, KISDI and the Ministry of Science and ICT jointly held the launching ceremony for the 2023 Digital Platform Policy Forum at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Center in Seoul.

The Digital Platform Policy Forum (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Forum’) is a joint discussion group formed by representatives from industry, academia, and the research sector. The group began meeting in 2021 to discuss the development of a digital platform and the creation of an environment conducive to innovation. Last year, the forum proposed policy directions and tasks for digital platforms after discussions focused on the ‘Robust Industry Ecosystem’ (Module 1), ‘Policies for Ensuring Fair Growth’ (Module 2), ‘The Creation of Social Values’ (Module 3), and ‘A Healthy Usage Environment’ (Module 4).

This year, Lee Won-woo, the Vice-President of Planning at Seoul National University, will once again chair the discussions of the forum. As shown by the recent tremendous rise in the adoption of AI and the controversies surrounding the “fairness” of AI algorithms, various technological changes and other issues related to digital platforms continue to arise these days. Amid such a situation, the forum must be able to play a consultative role in policy-making and the legislation of laws and regulations based on a deep understanding and analysis of the platform market. As such, this year’s forum will be operated in such a way as to accommodate this need.

A ‘Platform Economy Advisory Committee’ composed of experts from different sectors will be formed to set and study the key agenda for digital platforms, investigate (and monitor) domestic and international issues and policies related to platforms, and provide consultative functions on platform policies. In addition, a ‘Field Advisory Group on Platforms’ consisting of representatives from the platform industry and stakeholder groups, such as consumer associations and retailer associations, will be formed to gather voices in the field and deliver the findings to those responsible for studying the key items of agenda.

The launching ceremony was attended by members of the forum’s ‘Platform Economy Advisory Committee’ and the ‘Field Advisory Group on Platforms’. A presentation was given on proposals for key changes to the Telecommunications Business Act aimed at mandating additional government support for self-regulation in the digital platform sector. The members were then asked to provide their opinions about the proposed changes.