South Korea Aborts AI Textbook Programme Amid Accuracy and Privacy Concerns

South Korea Scraps AI Textbook Programme After Four Months The South Korean government has abruptly cancelled its ambitious AI textbook programme, just four months after its launch, due to concerns over inaccurate texts, privacy issues, and increased workloads on students and staff. The 1.2 trillion won (850m) project aimed to develop AI-powered textbooks for schools nationwide. Timeline of Events The programme was launched in June 2025 with the goal of introducing AI-enhanced learning materials to all South Korean schools by 2026. However, technical issues, including delayed classes and difficulties with digital devices, plagued the rollout. By October 17, 2025, the government had already spent over 567m on developing the textbooks. Immediate Impact The cancellation of the programme has left many students and teachers frustrated, particularly those who had grown accustomed to using the AI-powered materials. "All our classes were delayed because of technical problems with the textbooks," said a student in an interview with Rest Of World journalist Junhyup Kwon. "I found it hard to stay focused and keep on track." Background Context The programme was designed to leverage large language models (LLMs) and other AI technologies to create personalized learning experiences for students. Proponents argued that the digital textbooks would improve student engagement, reduce teacher workload, and enhance overall educational outcomes. What's Next? The cancellation of the programme raises questions about the role of AI in education and the need for more rigorous testing and evaluation before implementing such technologies on a large scale. As the South Korean government reassesses its approach to AI-powered learning materials, educators and policymakers worldwide will be watching closely to see how this development unfolds. Implications The scrapping of the programme highlights the complexities and challenges associated with integrating AI into education systems. While AI has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning, it also requires careful consideration of issues such as data privacy, accuracy, and equity. As educators and policymakers navigate these challenges, they must prioritize transparency, collaboration, and ongoing evaluation to ensure that AI-powered educational tools truly benefit students and society as a whole. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Artificialintelligence-news reporting.*