As the technology has spread, countries have become increasingly concerned with so-called "AI sovereignty" -- developing domestic models serving their own security, privacy and business interests. A spokesperson for South Korea's science ministry told AFP Tuesday that a government initiative aims to roll out a general-purpose AI chatbot as well as an AI agent capable of more complex tasks by the end of the year.

As the technology has spread, countries have become increasingly concerned with so-called "AI sovereignty" -- developing domestic models serving their own security, privacy and…

The plan seeks to reduce reliance on foreign platforms and to overcome the digital divide by providing AI services for free.