South Korea will offer free, unlimited access to government-supported generative AI services nationwide, TechSpot’s Skye Jacobs reports, institutionalizing what is currently a paid service in most countries.
Beta testing starts in September, with a broader launch planned later this year through three domestic technology consortia.
The services will connect with public systems to help residents book medical appointments, find housing and get tax guidance. Seoul plans to contribute up to 512 Nvidia B200 chips and operating support, part of a 10 trillion won ($7.2 billion) AI budget for 2026. The program also aims to strengthen domestic AI providers and reduce reliance on systems built in the US and China.
The DeAI angle: Many decentralized AI projects are building for open-source software architecture, but the government's subsidies for AI users could also open the door to more control.