Hajra Naz
Chinese AI app DeepSeek is no longer available for download in South Korea as authorities review its data handling practices, Seoul officials announced on Monday.
DeepSeek’s R1 chatbot has impressed investors and industry experts with its advanced capabilities at a lower cost than Western competitors. However, concerns have been raised regarding its data storage, which DeepSeek claims is securely managed on servers in China.
Regulatory Scrutiny in South Korea
South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) stated that the app would remain unavailable until a thorough review of its data collection methods is completed. DeepSeek acknowledged that it had not fully considered compliance with South Korea’s privacy laws. Authorities noted that aligning the app with local regulations would take significant time.
PIPC said, adding that the company has accepted this proposal.
“To prevent further concerns, the commission recommended that DeepSeek temporarily suspend its services while implementing necessary changes,”
Read More: Is DeepSeek better than ChatGpt?
Caution Advised for Existing Users
The app was removed from local app stores on Saturday at 6:00 PM, but users who previously downloaded it can still access its features. Authorities strongly advised users to exercise caution and avoid entering personal information until the final review results are released.
Data security expert Youm Heung-youl highlighted that DeepSeek has not yet introduced a privacy policy specific to South Korean users, despite having policies in place for the EU and other regions.
Global Privacy Concerns and Restrictions
South Korea is not the only country scrutinizing DeepSeek’s data policies. Several South Korean government agencies and police departments have already blocked access to the app on official devices.
Italy has launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s R1 model and has prohibited it from processing Italian users’ data. Australia has also banned the app on government devices following security agency recommendations. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have introduced a bill proposing a ban on DeepSeek’s use on government systems due to concerns about data security.
China’s Response
In response to these growing restrictions, the Chinese government criticized the “politicization of economic, trade, and technological issues” and reiterated that it has never, and will never, require companies to collect or store data illegally.
