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In December 2024, South Korea found itself at the epicentre of escalating tensions between the United States and China, particularly concerning semiconductor technology and geopolitical alliances. The U.S. intensified its efforts to curb China’s technological advancements, leading to significant political and economic repercussions for South Korea.
The United States has been urging South Korea to align with its export controls aimed at restricting China’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies thereby slowing Beijing’s quest for AI supremacy. This pressure includes limiting exports of fabrication tools and parts that could be used to produce advanced logic chips. The U.S. seeks to prevent China from acquiring technologies that could enhance its military capabilities, urging allies like South Korea to participate in these sanctions. South Korea, heavily reliant on China for trade, has struggled to navigate these demands without jeopardizing its economic stability. Samsung and SK Hynix, both leading semiconductor producers and influential conglomerates that enjoy huge influence amongst Seoul’s political class and were significantly impacted by these measures.
In parallel, the Biden administration expanded its export controls in December 2024 by adding nearly 140 Chinese technology companies to trade restrictions. This action targeted firms involved in producing computer chips, chipmaking tools, and software, aiming to restrict China’s use of U.S. technology to advance its semiconductor industry. These measures are part of a broader U.S. strategy to impede China’s progress in artificial intelligence and advanced weaponry, further intensifying the global chip war.
This pressure on South Korea reached a tipping point when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on December 3, 2024, citing threats from “communist forces” and “anti-state elements”. This unprecedented move temporarily granted the military authority to maintain order and suspended activities of the parliament, local councils, and political parties. Yoon feared that South Korea’s powerful conglomerates and collusion with the KDP would balk at meeting America’s demands. The declaration led to widespread protests and political backlash, prompting the National Assembly to overturn the martial law within hours. President Yoon later issued an apology for the decision, acknowledging the political and social unrest it caused. And as expected the impeachment drive also failed as the ruling party withdrew its support.
Amid these developments, concerns have grown in both the U.S. and South Korea about the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), the main opposition party. Many fear that if the DPK gains power, South Korea might adopt a more pro-China stance, potentially jeopardizing its alliance with the U.S. These apprehensions stem from the DPK’s perceived inclination toward strengthening ties with China, a shift that could have far-reaching consequences for South Korea’s foreign policy.
These events are part of the broader Sino-American competition over artificial intelligence and technological supremacy. As the U.S. seeks to maintain its edge by limiting China’s access to critical technologies, China continues its efforts toward achieving self-sufficiency in these areas. South Korea, a leading semiconductor producer, is caught in the crossfire, balancing its economic interests with growing geopolitical pressures.
With Donald Trump set to assume office in January 2025, this technological and geopolitical battle is expected to escalate further. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Australia may find themselves with no choice but to side with the U.S., given the increasing economic and strategic pressures. This alignment will deepen the divide between U.S.-led alliances and China’s sphere of influence, shaping the trajectory of global technology and diplomacy for years to come.

Recently, it was reported that Apple employees were eavesdropping on iPhone users, and the company was fined $95 million for the voice-activated assistant Siri violating users’ privacy. This incident raises the specter of algorithmic accountability.
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, algorithmic accountability has emerged as a vital innovation trend in governance. This concept ensures that algorithms driving public policies and services are transparent, explainable, and ethically designed, fostering trust and fairness in their application. As organizations and consumers increasingly rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve decision-making, the demand for robust accountability frameworks is greater than ever.
The Importance of Algorithmic Accountability
Algorithmic accountability goes beyond the technical realm—it is a governance priority. By implementing transparent standards, governments can ensure that algorithms are free from bias, protect public interest, and align with societal values. This not only builds trust but also holds developers and corporations accountable for the systems they create and deploy.
The United Kingdom has taken a leadership role in this area. Its Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) provides a structured framework for public organizations to document and share details about algorithms used in decision-making processes. This includes information on algorithmic design, human oversight mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies. By making this data accessible, the UK has set a precedent for fostering trust through transparency.
The Case for Algorithmic Accountability in Pakistan
In contrast, Pakistan has yet to formalize such an approach, despite making strides towards a digital future for the country. In May 2023, Pakistan’s Ministry of IT & Telecom introduced a Draft National AI Policy (‘the Policy’) as part of its Digital Pakistan vision.
This Policy aims to transform Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy and create a conducive ecosystem for the responsible adoption of AI. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive accountability measures. Without them, the country risks facing challenges such as unintended biases in algorithmic decision-making and erosion of public confidence.
How Digitalization Integrator Can Lead the Way
Digitalization Integrator, a leader in innovation and AI, and its SynergAI (AI Framework) can help organizations and government agencies adopt algorithmic accountability practices. By identifying trends and tailoring solutions, Digitalization Integrator can guide Pakistan’s corporate landscape to build AI systems where algorithms are regulated and transparent, and the public are educated about the importance of AI controls embedded in the organizations.
Conclusion
Algorithmic accountability is not just a technical necessity but a cornerstone of ethical governance. Pakistan, with its bold Digital ambitions, must adopt frameworks to ensure the responsible use of these transformative technologies. With proven expertise in AI strategy, Digitalization Integrator is well-positioned to support the Pakistan in embedding transparency and accountability into its AI initiatives, fostering public trust and delivering impactful results.