Current Status and Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Applications in the Field of Social Security Abroad

Abstract

AI technologies are widely used in social security systems worldwide. In many welfare states, including the US, the UK, Austria, and New Zealand, AI-powered tools—such as chatbots, machine learning-based models for identifying eligible individuals, and automated claims systems—assist in various aspects of health and social welfare policy administration. By contrast, initiatives like the Dutch SyRI, Australia’s Robodebt, and Denmark’s Gladsaxe have raised concerns regarding discrimination, human rights violations, and data leaks. Executive Order 14110, issued during the Biden Administration, exemplifies regulatory responses to such issues. Although later rescinded following the advent of the second Trump Administration, this order, featuring eight guiding principles for safe and equitable AI development, along with concrete action directives for the Department of Health and Human Services and other key federal agencies, still resonates as an international standard in AI regulation. As for social security in Korea, it is necessary to establish AI regulations taking into account the issue of explainability, the right to appeal, and the need to improve the algorithm audit system. It is also important to strengthen organizations and ensure sufficient staffing for verifying and improving the quality of social security data, as well as managing associated risks.