South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has officially suspended new downloads of DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) application, due to violations of South Korean data protection laws. This move follows an investigation revealing that DeepSeek failed to comply with user privacy regulations, raising serious concerns about personal data security.
The PIPC found that DeepSeek lacked transparency in its data collection and sharing processes. Reports indicate that the AI app may have been transmitting user information to third parties without proper disclosure. As a result, South Korean authorities have halted its downloads until DeepSeek implements necessary policy changes to align with national privacy laws.
Despite the suspension, DeepSeek’s web-based services remain accessible in South Korea. However, the PIPC has advised users to exercise caution and avoid sharing sensitive personal data on the platform. DeepSeek has acknowledged the regulatory concerns and has pledged to update its policies to meet compliance requirements.
DeepSeek’s privacy issues are not limited to South Korea. Recently, Italy’s data protection authority banned the DeepSeek chatbot due to similar privacy violations. Additionally, several South Korean government agencies and major corporations have restricted the use of DeepSeek over concerns about potential data leaks and security risks.
Internationally, DeepSeek continues to face scrutiny. In the United States, the state of New York has banned DeepSeek from government devices, citing major privacy and censorship concerns. Australian universities have also warned students and staff against using DeepSeek, emphasizing potential cybersecurity threats.
South Korea’s decision reflects the increasing global emphasis on AI security and data privacy. Experts suggest that other governments may introduce stricter regulations to ensure AI applications like DeepSeek adhere to strict data protection standards. The PIPC has stated that it will continue monitoring DeepSeek and similar AI platforms to safeguard user data.
DeepSeek has yet to provide a timeline for implementing the necessary policy revisions. Until then, its services will remain restricted in South Korea, reinforcing the country’s firm stance on digital privacy, AI regulation, and data security. As AI technology continues to evolve, ensuring compliance with data protection laws will be crucial for maintaining user trust and preventing unauthorized data access.