On March 27, SK Telecom (SKT) announced its commitment to actively incorporate AI technology across its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management practices. The company introduced its new ESG vision, ‘DO THE GOOD AI,’ outlining a sustainable management model leveraging AI.
The ‘DO THE GOOD AI’ initiative comprises three main areas. First, ‘DO AI’ focuses on enhancing the competitiveness of communication technology through AI. Second, ‘T.H.E. AI’ aims to ensure reliability and safety based on AI governance. Third, ‘GOOD AI’ seeks to create a positive impact on society through the use of AI. SKT intends to generate synergy between AI and ESG and pursue sustainable growth through this vision.
Environmental (E): Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions with AI
In the environmental (E) sector, SKT aims to utilize AI technology to improve network efficiency and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. AI will be applied in network design to predict changes in customer quality and optimally place equipment. Additionally, it will manage the energy consumption of communication equipment based on network traffic loads to reduce energy usage. SKT plans to enhance the energy efficiency of its communication infrastructure and minimize greenhouse gas emissions through this technology. The company will also provide AI-based guidance on waste separation to contribute to a circular economy.
Social (S): Creating Social Value through AI Technology
In the social (S) sector, SKT will strengthen the prevention of voice phishing and care for vulnerable groups using AI. The company blocks over 1.3 million suspected voice phishing messages and calls each month while developing AI-based preventive technologies. It operates ‘CareVia,’ which analyzes the behavior of individuals with developmental disabilities to provide care services. SKT offers the ‘AI Safety Check’ service, which uses AI counselors to check in on individuals and detect unusual signs, supporting emergency responses when necessary. Furthermore, the company plans to expand its volunteer program, ‘Happy AI Coding School,’ to bridge the digital divide for disabled youth.
Governance (G): Strengthening AI Governance
From a governance (G) perspective, SKT aims to enhance AI governance, applying AI across all areas of ESG. The company unveiled its AI governance system, ‘T.H.E. AI,’ in 2023, ensuring the reliability and ethical use of AI. Additionally, SKT became the first telecommunications company in Korea to obtain the international standard certification for AI management systems, ‘ISO/IEC 42001,’ and aims to evolve into a global AI company based on this foundation.
Um Jong-hwan, Head of SKT’s ESG Promotion Office, stated, "Through the new vision 'DO THE GOOD AI,' which combines AI and ESG, we will fulfill our social responsibility as an AI company and continuously advance our ESG management."
