ChatGPT In EFL Learning: Navigating the Impact of Technological Advancements on Educational Policy, Equity, and Legal Framework

The integration of advanced AI-powered tools like ChatGPT into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning offers transformative potential while raising critical questions about educational policy, socioeconomic equity, and legal frameworks. This study examines the complex role of ChatGPT in EFL education, highlighting its dual capacity as a tool for enhancing learning outcomes and a source of new challenges. Conducted at Universitas Musamus Merauke, where English is a compulsory subject across all departments, this research utilized a stratified random sampling method to select participants, ensuring diverse representation across socioeconomic and academic backgrounds. The study evaluates the impact of ChatGPT on participants' language proficiency and explores its broader implications for equitable access and ethical considerations. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and educators, emphasizing the need to balance technological advancements with inclusive and responsible educational practices.