South Korea has temporarily suspended the ability to download the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from local app stores due to concerns over its handling of user data.
This decision follows an investigation by the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) into the app’s compliance with South Korea’s privacy laws. The suspension will remain in place until DeepSeek adjusts its practices to meet the country’s regulations.
Current users who already have DeepSeek installed will not be affected by the suspension, but the PIPC has advised users to refrain from entering personal information into the app until the investigation is complete.
The investigation comes after the app’s release in South Korea in late January. The PIPC’s assessment revealed several issues, including concerns about the app’s use of third-party services and the transfer of South Korean user data to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.
This raised alarm among South Korean officials, particularly in light of security concerns linked to foreign companies with potential ties to the Chinese government.
In response, DeepSeek has acknowledged these issues and has appointed a local representative in South Korea to address regulatory concerns.
The company admitted to its initial unfamiliarity with South Korea’s data protection laws and has committed to working closely with local authorities to ensure compliance moving forward.
DeepSeek’s Response and Ongoing Adjustments
Following the suspension, DeepSeek has begun taking steps to address the concerns raised by the PIPC.
The company has pledged to enhance its privacy practices and comply with South Korea’s strict data protection standards.
DeepSeek has also agreed to collaborate with the PIPC to resolve the identified issues before the app can be made available for download again.
Global Scrutiny
DeepSeek’s privacy practices are under increasing scrutiny in several other countries. In Italy, the data protection authority, Garante, ordered the company to block its chatbot due to unresolved privacy concerns.
Similarly, Australia and Taiwan have taken steps to restrict the use of DeepSeek on government devices over security issues.
South Korea is not alone in its cautious approach toward foreign tech companies, especially those with potential ties to the Chinese government. This is part of a broader global concern regarding data privacy and national security.
Impact on South Korean Users
For users in South Korea who have already installed DeepSeek, the suspension does not impact their ability to use the app.
The PIPC has advised caution, recommending that users either delete the app or avoid entering sensitive personal data until the app’s compliance with local privacy laws is confirmed.
DeepSeek’s Popularity and Future in South Korea
Despite the regulatory issues, DeepSeek quickly gained popularity in Korea. By the fourth week of January, the app had amassed over 1.2 million users, becoming the second-most popular AI tool in the country after ChatGPT.
This rapid adoption highlights the growing interest in AI-powered tools, though concerns about data security and privacy remain significant.
Founded in 2023 by Liang Feng in Hangzhou, China, DeepSeek has garnered attention for its open-source AI model, DeepSeek R1, which competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
However, ongoing challenges with data privacy could hinder the company’s international expansion, particularly in countries with strict data protection regulations like South Korea.
Implications for Global AI Privacy Standards
As South Korea continues its investigation into DeepSeek’s operations, the outcome could set a significant precedent for other countries addressing similar concerns related to foreign AI applications and data privacy.
The global tech industry is closely monitoring the situation, as it could influence how privacy regulations are applied to AI services worldwide.
