South Korea scraps plan for AI-powered textbooks

SEOUL — South Korea’s National Assembly passed a bill on Monday removing the legal status of artificial intelligence-powered digital textbooks.

The amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act redefines “textbook” to include only printed books and e-books. It excludes “learning support software using intelligent information technology.”

The change reclassifies AI-based digital textbooks as general educational materials, not official textbooks. The revision takes effect immediately upon promulgation.

The reclassification ends legal and financial support for using AI-powered digital textbooks in schools.

The Ministry of Education is expected to review related policies.