Candidates undergoing job interviews will have the option to contest or seek clarification if they perceive the outcome of an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted interview process to be unreasonable. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Korea Bizwire) – Starting next year, candidates undergoing job interviews will have the option to contest or seek clarification if they perceive the outcome of an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted interview process to be unreasonable.
The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) declared on November 23 its intent to issue a legislative notice for amendments to the Personal Information Protection Act effective January 2 of next year.
In accordance with the proposed amendment, if an individual, who is a service user and a subject of personal information, believes that their rights or responsibilities—such as life, body, or interests—have been violated by an “automated system” utilizing AI technology, they reserve the right to decline or request an explanation.
For instance, if a company employs AI in its recruitment process and applicants receive results that are challenging to comprehend, they are entitled to seek clarification. Additionally, candidates can reject AI-conducted interview results and request that the process be reassessed by a human.
In such cases, the processor is obliged to communicate the outcome to the individual. If further explanation is sought, the processor must clarify in a comprehensible manner the primary types of personal data used in reaching the decision.
Furthermore, the amendments impose a mandatory requirement for large hospitals, major corporations, and universities handling substantial amounts of personal information to appoint a privacy officer (CPO) possessing expertise and independence.
The legislation also introduces a provision for the Personal Information Protection Commissioner (PIPC) to evaluate the level of personal information protection at public institutions and recommend improvements based on the findings.
While historically the PIPC has solely diagnosed the level of personal information protection, going forward, it will have the authority to propose improvements grounded in practical assessments.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
