As artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots become a new means of communication and entertainment for youth, South Korea is introducing policies to directly limit usage time and payment amounts. Recognizing that users can become immersed in conversations with AI characters for extended periods, companies are taking proactive measures to ensure safety.
On September 8, Ruitun Technologies announced plans to strengthen its youth protection policies. The key aspect is setting limits on usage time and payment amounts. The company plans to restrict the daily usage of its AI chatbot, Crack, to a maximum of three hours and to cap monthly payments at 100,000 won.
If users exceed three hours of service or their monthly payments surpass 100,000 won, they will need to undergo a verification and consent process from a guardian. This aims to manage excessive usage and spending directly.
The usage time for AI chat applications is rapidly increasing. Total usage time for AI chat apps surged from approximately 1.1 million hours in April 2024 to about 63.1 million hours in March of this year, marking a 57-fold increase in just two years. As usage time rises, the number of youth becoming overly immersed in these services is also growing.
Crack allows users to create their own AI characters or choose from existing ones to engage in conversations, crafting their own stories and creations. While it can be used for free, users must purchase in-app currency called 'Crackers' for deeper conversations or image generation. As conversations with characters lengthen, the use of paid currency can also increase, prompting the need to manage both usage time and payment amounts.
Ruitun's decision to set a specific usage limit stems from the unique service structure of AI chatbots, which differs from traditional information-seeking AIs. Instead of users asking questions and ending the service after receiving answers, they can continuously interact with specific characters, developing relationships and narratives.
The company also plans to enhance its age verification methods. Currently, Crack distinguishes between adults and youth using the 'PASS' authentication service provided by mobile carriers. Ruitun is reviewing additional verification methods to improve the accuracy and safety of age confirmation, considering both domestic and international examples.
Content safety measures will also be revised. Ruitun plans to comprehensively review Crack's content generation policies, age rating management, content review systems, search and recommendation limitations, reporting and blocking features, and sanctions for violations to adapt to changing usage patterns. The company will enhance AI safety technologies, including additional filters and safety system prompts to filter out inappropriate or dangerous conversations.
This initiative is seen as Ruitun's commitment to strengthening user protection alongside business growth. The company has recently begun the process of selecting underwriters for its initial public offering (IPO) as it seeks to expand its operations. Ruitun CEO Lee Se-young has previously stated the company's goal of creating AI that users can trust and use safely.
Ruitun plans to fully implement the enhanced youth protection policies in early 2027 after completing institutional and technical reviews and system overhauls.
Lee Dong-jae, Ruitun's Chief Product Officer, stated, "We recognize our social responsibility to provide safe and healthy AI services for everyone. We will make every effort to create a service that prioritizes the safety of youth users while also fostering creativity."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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