created content or for real-world events, as is often the case with
deepfakes. One such example occurred when a fake image depicting
what appeared to be a large explosion near the U.S. Department
of Defense headquarters (the Pentagon) spread on social media,
causing widespread confusion.
In some cases, transparency may be a legal obligation. For example,
under the EU AI Act 1) providers of AI systems must design their
systems so that people are aware when they are interacting with an
AI system; 2) in the case of generative AI, providers must ensure that
outputs can be recognized as AI-generated content in a machinereadable manner. In addition, 3) deployers (users) of emotion
recognition or biometric identification systems must inform natural
persons that such systems are being used; and 4) deployers (users)
of AI systems that generate deepfakes must disclose that the output
has been generated by AI. In the case of artistic works, however, this
disclosure may be made in a way that does not interfere with the
appreciation of the work.
For civil society organizations, the fourth obligation is likely to be
particularly relevant, as such organizations often create parody
images criticizing power or produce documentaries related to
specific social issues.
Korea’s AI Framework Act also establishes obligations to ensure
AI transparency (Article 31). Specifically, it requires that: 1) users
be informed in advance when a service is operated based on highimpact AI or generative AI; 2) outputs generated by generative AI be
Generative AI Guide for Civil Society