KISDI Proposes an “AI Ethics Self-Assessment Checklist” for AI-Powered Cities (detail)

※ URL(Korean): https://www.kisdi.re.kr/bbs/view.do?bbsSn=114951&key=m2101113055776&pageIndex=1&sc=&sw=

KISDI Basic Research (25-10): Ethical Design Strategies for AI- and Autonomous System-Based Cities

▲ Growing ethical risks, including privacy infringement and increased surveillance, as AI-powered cities expand
▲ Calls for the development of ethical design frameworks in key sectors such as public safety and security
▲ Proposes an “AI Ethics Self-Assessment Checklist” for use by local governments

The Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI, President Sangkyu Rhee) recently published a research report titled *Ethical Design Strategies for AI- and Autonomous System-Based Cities* (KISDI Basic Research 25-10).

The report presents policy directions for AI-powered cities that take into account citizens’ rights and social values, as well as recommendations for the ethical design and governance of AI systems deployed in urban environments. As cities increasingly rely on data and algorithms to manage urban services, the study examines how AI can be integrated into urban governance in a responsible and trustworthy manner.

The report notes that AI technologies are rapidly expanding across urban sectors, including transportation, public safety, administration, and healthcare. As the concept of the smart city evolves toward that of the AI-powered city, new social risks are emerging, including privacy concerns, increased surveillance, and algorithmic bias. The study emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in the development and operation of AI systems within cities.

According to the report, AI technologies used in urban environments have a direct impact on citizens’ daily lives and fundamental rights. While ethical design and accountable operation are therefore essential, existing smart city policy discussions have largely focused on technology adoption and infrastructure development. As a result, discussions on AI ethics governance at the city level remain relatively limited.

To assess the need for ethical governance in AI-powered cities, the research team conducted a comprehensive analysis that included a review of domestic laws and regulations, an examination of Korean smart city plans, case studies of overseas cities, and a policy priority assessment based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology.

The analysis found that although AI technologies are rapidly becoming core components of smart city policies, ethical governance mechanisms for managing their societal impacts remain underdeveloped. Existing legal and policy frameworks, including the Smart City Act, continue to focus primarily on infrastructure-oriented development projects. Institutional consideration of the social and ethical implications of AI in urban operations remains limited.

Using the AHP methodology, the study identified priority areas requiring ethical management in AI-powered cities. Public safety and security ranked highest at 40.6 percent, followed by healthcare and welfare at 23.5 percent, transportation and mobility at 23.2 percent, and public administration and citizen services at 12.7 percent.

To support practical implementation, the research team developed an “Ethical Design Self-Assessment Checklist” for AI-powered cities. The checklist is intended to help practitioners systematically identify and assess potential ethical risks associated with AI deployment in urban settings. It may also serve as a policy tool for local governments and municipal officials to review the protection of citizens’ rights and broader social impacts during the planning and implementation stages of AI projects.

Hyun Kyong LEE, Fellow at KISDI, emphasized that governance for AI-powered cities should not begin with the assumption that technologies should be adopted simply because they are available. Instead, she noted that the protection of citizens’ rights and careful consideration of social impacts should serve as the starting point for governance design.

She further stated that AI-powered cities should adopt an Ethics-by-Design approach from the earliest planning stages, fostering a human-centered model in which technological innovation and public trust can develop together.

The report is available for download from the KISDI website.

KISDI News

KISDI Proposes an “AI Ethics Self-Assessment Checklist” for AI-Powered Cities