The 3rd Summit for Democracy: Privacy and Surveillance Issues in AI Digital Textbook Policy

Open Net Korea leads discussions on AI Digital Textbooks at the 3rd Summit for Democracy with Korean law school students and experts on children’s digital rights

– Date & Time: March 19 (Tue), 2024 2 PM ~ 3:30 PM
– Venue: Coex E1(3F, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam, Seoul)
– Hosted by: Open Net and Korea University Internet Law Clinic

Moderator: OH Kyoungmi, Researcher, Open Net Korea
Speakers and organizations represented:
– JEONG Hyeon-Seon, Professor, Gyeongin National University of Education (full resource material)
– Woohyun Koh, Public & Advocacy Senior Manager, Save the Children
– CHO Kyung-sook, Software engineer/Activist of Tech-feminism
– PYO Jiwoo, Korea University Internet Law Clinic
– SON Jooeun, Korea University Internet Law Clinic

Background

The timeline for the development of AI digital textbooks is to phase in the introduction of digital textbooks in subjects such as math, English, information technology, and Korean language (special education) in 2025, and to introduce all subjects such as Korean language, social studies, and science by 2028. The Ministry of Education and the Korea Institute of Education and Research Information, the main developers, define AI digital textbooks as “software that includes various learning materials and learning support functions using artificial intelligence and other information technologies to provide various personalized learning opportunities that meet students’ individual needs and abilities.” The commercialization of AI digital textbooks means that students’ personal information will be collected, as the data they produce will be loaded into the platform. AI digital textbook policies should include children’s rights to privacy, security, and protection from surveillance risks when using AI digital textbooks. However, there is a lack of safe design policies to minimize invasions of privacy. It also does not take into account students, teachers, and parents who do not want to learn, teach, or raise their children digitally. This discussion will examine the progress of AI digital textbook development policies with education experts, policymakers, legal experts, and technology experts. The panelists will discuss and share ideas on specific concerns that should be prioritized in the development process and essential considerations, including developing technologies that prioritize children’s digital rights, especially privacy and security.

Korean version text here