South Korea halts new downloads of DeepSeek over privacy concerns
The data protection issue is not confined to South Korea; Italy previously blocked DeepSeek’s chatbot due to privacy policy concerns.
South Korea’s data protection authority has suspended new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, citing concerns over non-compliance with the country’s privacy laws. The decision came after DeepSeek acknowledged failing to adhere to South Korea’s data protection rules fully. According to the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), the service will be reinstated once necessary improvements are implemented.
The restriction, which took effect on Saturday, prevents new users from downloading the app in South Korea. However, DeepSeek’s web service remains operational in the country. The Chinese startup recently appointed legal representatives in South Korea and admitted to having overlooked some aspects of the nation’s data privacy regulations, the PIPC revealed during a media briefing.
DeepSeek has faced similar regulatory hurdles elsewhere. Italy’s data protection authority, Garante, ordered the company to block its chatbot in the country last month due to unresolved concerns over its privacy policy. These developments highlight growing scrutiny over data protection practices among AI-powered services, particularly those originating from China.
DeepSeek has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the suspension in South Korea. Meanwhile, when asked about earlier restrictions imposed on the app, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson emphasised Beijing’s commitment to data privacy and security. The spokesperson stated that the Chinese government does not require companies or individuals to collect or store data violating applicable laws, distancing itself from the controversy surrounding DeepSeek’s compliance issues.
Why does it matter?
The regulatory action against DeepSeek signals the increasing global focus on AI-related privacy concerns. With authorities in multiple countries tightening their data security oversight, AI firms, particularly those operating across borders, face mounting pressure to ensure compliance with regional privacy laws.
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