WSJ Tech News Briefing · Friday, August 28, 2026
South Korea is set to provide its entire population with free access to premium generative AI services, treating the technology as a public utility. This state-led initiative aims to connect citizens with domestic AI tools, fostering AI sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign models. The AI services will be integrated with government systems for tasks like booking appointments and tax assistance.
“South Korea plans to give its entire population free access to premium generative AI services.”
“It's the first state-led offering to treat the technology like a public utility.”
“The program seeks to connect more people with homegrown AI tools in a push for AI sovereignty, and to avoid overreliance on models from the US and China.”