Using JEI AI Mathematics through personal tablet (Image courtesy of JEI Corporation)
SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – Microsoft has become the first global tech giant to receive security certification for cloud services in South Korea’s public sector, potentially paving the way for the company to introduce artificial intelligence tools in the nation’s schools.
The certification, known as CSAP, was granted by the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) at its lowest security tier, industry officials said on December 4. This breakthrough marks the first time a major international technology company has received such approval, with Google and Amazon Web Services also reportedly seeking similar certification.
The CSAP system, which certifies the safety and reliability of cloud computing services, is mandatory for companies looking to provide services to public institutions in South Korea. Last year, the government divided the certification into three levels – high, medium, and low – based on data sensitivity. The lowest tier, which Microsoft has obtained, applies to systems handling public data that doesn’t contain personal information.
This certification allows Microsoft to provide cloud services to certain public institutions, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as local government offices, raising speculation about the company’s potential expansion into AI-based education services.
However, this development has sparked discussions about the increasing influence of foreign tech companies in South Korea’s education sector. Some experts warn about potential market dominance through integrated software and cloud services.
“Microsoft might bundle its applications and cloud services for the education sector,” said Jeon Seongmin, a professor at Gachon University’s Business School.
“When students become accustomed to using cost-competitive products like Microsoft Office from an early age, the lock-in effect could make it difficult for them to switch to other products.”
Not everyone shares these concerns. Some industry observers point to the historically limited success of foreign companies in South Korea’s educational AI software market.
“The industry doesn’t seem particularly concerned about Microsoft’s entry into the public sector, given that foreign companies haven’t had much success in Korea’s educational AI software market,” said one education technology industry insider.
Notably, AI digital textbooks, a key focus in education technology, require a medium-level CSAP certification, which currently puts them beyond the reach of global tech companies.
However, as the government reviews its network separation regulations, the possibility remains that tech giants could eventually gain access to this market with higher-level certifications.
KT, a South Korean telecommunications company working with Microsoft to provide enhanced security cloud services for public and financial sectors, has not yet specified any concrete plans for collaboration in the AI textbook cloud market.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
