South Korea Temporarily Blocks DeepSeek App Amid Data Privacy Concerns
South Korean authorities have temporarily halted the download of the DeepSeek app from local app stores, following an investigation into the app's data handling practices. The move comes as the country's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) reviews how DeepSeek manages user data, particularly after concerns about its transfer of South Korean user data to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.
The PIPC announced that the app will only be made available for download again once it meets the standards of South Korea’s stringent privacy laws. While existing users can still access the app and its web service, the commission has advised against entering any personal information until a final decision is made regarding the app’s compliance.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup founded by Liang Feng in 2023, has made headlines with its open-source AI model, DeepSeek R1, which competes directly with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, the company’s Chinese origins have raised alarms in various countries, prompting them to take precautionary measures to protect user data and national security.
The PIPC’s investigation revealed that DeepSeek had transferred South Korean user data to ByteDance, which has raised serious concerns about data privacy and potential surveillance risks. In response to the findings, DeepSeek has appointed a local representative in South Korea and has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the country’s authorities to ensure compliance with local privacy regulations.
The restriction on DeepSeek in South Korea follows similar actions by other countries over the app's data handling practices. Australia has banned the app on government devices, Italy’s data protection agency has ordered DeepSeek to disable its chatbot feature, and Taiwan has prohibited its use in government departments due to security risks.
These actions are part of a broader global response to concerns over Chinese tech companies and their potential ties to the Chinese government, raising questions about data privacy and national security.
As of now, DeepSeek has not issued a public statement regarding the specific steps it will take to comply with South Korean privacy laws. However, the company’s willingness to collaborate with local authorities indicates its intent to resolve the situation.
Key Takeaways:
- South Korea has temporarily restricted the download of DeepSeek's app as the PIPC assesses its data privacy practices.
- The PIPC found that DeepSeek transferred South Korean user data to ByteDance, prompting further investigation.
- DeepSeek has appointed a local representative in South Korea and is working on complying with local privacy regulations.
- Other countries, including Australia, Italy, and Taiwan, have also taken precautionary measures against DeepSeek due to security concerns.