DeepSeek AI Under Scrutiny: South Korea Investigates Data Sharing with ByteDance

DeepSeek Shared Data With ByteDance: South Korea

Disclaimer: This content generated by AI & may have errors or hallucinations. Edit before use. Read our Terms of use The South Korean data protection authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), said that it found Chinese AI firm DeepSeek was sending users' data to Chinese company ByteDance, Yonhap News Agency reported on February 18. "We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance," a PIPC official told the news agency. The authority has "yet to confirm what data was transferred and to what extent," they added. This came a day after the PIPC announced that the AI model had taken itself off of Google and Apple app stores in the country in accordance with the PIPC's investigation into its data practices. The authority had also noted that it found in its preliminary investigation "traffic generated by third-party data transfers" on the model's app. Back then, it hadn't identified which entity was the third party. Notably, this investigation is also supposed to result in a broader compliance framework for foreign AI companies. The South Korean data protection laws require explicit consent from users if the company provides their personal information or data to a third party. Similarly, under the Indian data protection law, companies -- or data fiduciaries, as they are called within the framework of the law -- are required to provide users with consent notices, detailing the data they collect and the purposes for processing it. Moreover, these notices need to be clear, self-contained, and easily understandable. The law also requires data fiduciaries to process a user's personal data only for a lawful purpose that the user has given consent to or for "legitimate uses." When it comes to the transfer of data, the data fiduciary must meet specific requirements set by the Indian Government. The government can issue these requirements through general or special orders, especially when fiduciaries want to make the data available to a foreign government or any person or organisation controlled by a foreign government. Additionally, the data fiduciary must provide a summary of the personal data they are processing and the processing activities they are undertaking with respect to that personal data. It must also disclose the identities of all other data fiduciaries and data processors with whom it has shared personal data, along with a description of the shared data. Not only is DeepSeek a Chinese firm, but its latest model, R1, which has been grabbing headlines since its launch, has also raised eyebrows for its censorship tendencies that align with the stance of the ruling political party in China. This alignment has invoked suspicions about its intentions with regard to users' data and has already invited investigations and bans on the model. Meanwhile, back in China, the government is reportedly working to integrate DeepSeek into its e-governance services. On top of that, it recently also reassured that it will "sincerely protect the legal rights of private businesses and entrepreneurs, according to the law," AP reported. It remains to be seen if DeepSeek will be one of the companies that receives such treatment from the government amidst the accruing backlash it is receiving from the rest of the world. The push against the Chinese AI firm also becomes interesting when seen in the context of an ongoing trade war between China and the US, which seems to have intensified since Donald Trump started his second term as the President of the US.

DeepSeek accused of sharing users' data with TikTok's ByteDance in another blow around privacy concerns

According to South Korea's data regulator, the two Chinese tech firms are "communicating" South Korea's data protection regulator has accused DeepSeek of sending citizens' data using its AI chatbot to TikTok's parent company ByteDance. This accusation comes a day after ordering a temporary block on new DeepSeek downloads over privacy concerns. "We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance," an official at the country's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) told Yonhap News Agency, adding that it is "yet to confirm what data was transferred and to what extent." While not directly commenting on such allegations, DeepSeek reportedly acknowledged "shortcomings in considering local protection laws" and expressed the commitment to cooperate with the regulator on the matter. South Korea may be the first to formally accuse DeepSeek of illegally sharing users' data with the controversial TikTok owner, but it's not the only country going after the new Chinese AI chatbot on privacy grounds. DeepSeek has sent some serious shockwaves across the globe since January's release, in fact. With 12 million curious people worldwide downloading the new app within 48 hours of its launch, governments have been increasingly looking at DeepSeek's phenomenon with suspicion. Italy, France, Germany, the US, Taiwan, Australia, and South Korea are only some of the countries targeting DeepSeek AI. Most are accusing the new Chinese AI chatbot of violating the country's data protection laws. DeepSeek's issues are mainly linked to the fact the chatbot stored all users' data on its Chinese servers and, as per the platform's privacy policy, will be used to "comply with our legal obligations, or as necessary to perform tasks in the public interest, or to protect the vital interests of our users and other people." Now, South Korea's PIPC allegations are reinforcing growing concerns among Western governments about how their citizens' data is processed by such companies. Concerns about Americans' data ending up in the Chinese government's hands are one of the reasons behind the push for a TikTok ban in the US. Outside the US, many countries including the UK and some European nations have also banned TikTok from officials' devices over security concerns. ByteDance, however, has long dismissed these risks - and it did so also for the new accusation brought toward by South Korea. As The Independent reported, TikTok's parent company believes its link with DeepSeek is simply because the AI chatbot uses the cloud services provided by Volcano Engine, which is owned by ByteDance. Yet, this "does not mean it has access to DeepSeek data," the paper notes. South Korea's data regulator isn't the only one suggesting the two Chinese companies are communicating. A recent report published by cybersecurity firm SecuirtyScorecard has also found "integration with ByteDance's services" within DeepSeek's code. What's certain now is that the provider operating Deepseek will have to respond to South Korean officials' clarifications over the matter now that an official investigation into its data handling practices has been launched.

DeepSeek accused of sharing user data with TikTok owner ByteDance | BreakingNews.ie

South Korea has accused Chinese AI firm DeepSeek of sharing user data with ByteDance, the China-based parent firm of TikTok. It comes after the country removed DeepSeek from its local Apple and Google app stores over the weekend because of data privacy concerns. The Yonhap News Agency said it had been told by the South Korean data protection regulator that it had "confirmed" DeepSeek was "communicating with ByteDance", however, it has not yet confirmed what data was transferred and to what extent. According to ByteDance, the link being made between the two companies is because one of the cloud services used by DeepSeek in China is from a firm called Volcano Engine, which is owned by ByteDance, but does not mean it has access to DeepSeek data. DeepSeek sent shockwaves through the tech sector when it emerged last month, appearing to offer performance on a par with ChatGPT and other US AI giants but having been developed for allegedly a fraction of the cost, wiping billions off the value of tech stocks. But since then, it has come under intense scrutiny and been the subject of multiple warnings from security services and industry experts over the storing of user data on servers in China, and that said data could be accessed and harnessed by the Chinese government for intelligence or surveillance purposes. It has led to the app being restricted or banned from government devices in South Korea and a number of other countries just as the app's popularity exploded, seeing it top download charts in the UK, US and elsewhere. In its report, Yonhap said the South Korean data protection regulator had sent a formal inquiry to DeepSeek asking for clarification on its data collection and management methods. In response, it said DeepSeek had acknowledged "shortcomings" in its consideration of South Korean data protection laws and said it would actively work with the regulator on the issue. Data security concerns have previously been raised about other Chinese firms, most notably TikTok and Huawei. Critics have argued that a national intelligence law in China can require firms to hand over any information requested of them by the Chinese government. In the US, where TikTok is on the cusp of a blanket ban unless ByteDance gives up ownership, officials have also claimed that the app's recommendation algorithm could be used by the Chinese state to spread misinformation and undermine the government. TikTok has repeatedly denied those accusations. Following the emergence of DeepSeek, cybersecurity experts have urged the public and businesses to exercise caution before using the AI chatbot. On Monday, the UK government said it was a "personal choice" for the public over whether they used the app, but said it kept new technologies under constant review as they evolve.

DeepSeek accused of giving user data to TikTok owner

South Korea has accused the Chinese AI company DeepSeek of sharing user data with TikTok's owner, according to the Yonhap news agency. The South Korean data regulator said DeepSeek was communicating with ByteDance, although it has not yet confirmed what user data was shared between the companies. Read more: What is DeepSeek? Over the weekend, the country suspended new downloads of the AI app over security concerns. Users must give explicit permission for their data to be shared with third-party companies under South Korean law. In response to South Korea's concerns, DeepSeek assigned a representative in South Korea and acknowledged shortcomings in the way it had considered local protection laws, according to Yonhap. When DeepSeek unveiled its powerful AI model, it sent shockwaves through the Western tech industry by being as powerful but significantly cheaper than OpenAI's ChatGPT. However, alarm bells were quickly raised over security. Just weeks before, TikTok, another Chinese tech firm, was briefly banned in the US over concerns about the security of user data. When DeepSeek appeared, US entrepreneur Bill Ackman described DeepSeek as "a Trojan Horse" and said TikTok "is just a toy by comparison".

DeepSeek AI Under Investigation in South Korea for Data Practices

Disclaimer: This content generated by AI & may have errors or hallucinations. Edit before use. Read our Terms of use South Korea's data protection authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), has halted downloads of the Chinese AI model DeepSeek R1. The commission is investigating whether the model complies with the country's data protection laws. On February 15, 2025, DeepSeek removed its app from Apple's App Store and Google Play, agreeing to cooperate with the investigation. PIPC has launched an ex-ante examination into the model's data practices and sent an inquiry to DeepSeek. It has asked for details on what personal data the model collects, the legal basis for processing it, and whether user data is stored in China. The PIPC's preliminary analysis found that DeepSeek R1 generated traffic through third-party data transfers while lacking transparency in its privacy policy. Notably, the authority has only suspended new downloads while existing users can continue to access the service. Beyond DeepSeek, the PIPC plans to use the findings to create a broader compliance framework for foreign AI companies. "As part of the examination, we will work with DeepSeek to align its practices with legal requirements. Once the final results are available, we will introduce a compliance checklist for foreign AI developers operating in South Korea," the authority stated. The intentions of the AI model have been questioned since its very launch on January 20. Within 10 days, the US Congress officials were ordered not to use DeepSeek for any official purposes since it was feared that the model might be used to "deliver malicious software and infect devices," Axios reported. A day later, Italy became the first country to impose an official nationwide ban on the model citing concerns over how the model processes user data -- similar to South Korea's recent move. Australia and Taiwan have also restricted its use in government departments for similar reasons. You can check out our running list of all the countries banning DeepSeek here. In contrast, China is reportedly working to integrate DeepSeek into its e-governance services. Additionally, some Chinese outlets have been talking about how DeepSeek's low-cost technology can drive its adoption, thus endowing China with soft power capabilities in the Global South. Shortly after its launch, users raised concerns about DeepSeek's tendency to censor controversial topics related to the Chinese government. Critics also noted that the model bypasses human reviewers in its training process. Unlike other AI models that rely on human testers to score responses, DeepSeek uses computer-generated feedback scores. MIT Technology Review reports that this approach helps the model excel in math and coding but weakens its ability to handle subjective questions. Apart from these, the model also stunned industry leaders like OpenAI and Microsoft with its effect on the stock market.

DeepSeek halts app service in South Korea amid data privacy concerns

The move comes after the South Korean government's internal analyses determined that DeepSeek user data was being relayed to ByteDance The Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek will be tentatively halting its service within South Korea. The move comes after the South Korean government's internal analyses determined that DeepSeek user data was being relayed to ByteDance, the company that operates the short-form content platform TikTok. DeepSeek has announced that it would resume service after improving deficiencies in regard to South Korea's privacy and personal information laws. Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) announced on Monday that DeepSeek had "temporarily suspended its service in Korea as of February 15, 2025, to enhance compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act," while noting that the company "plans to resume service once necessary improvements are made." Currently, the DeepSeek app is unavailable on all app marketplaces like Google Play or Apple App Store. However, PC users or users who downloaded the mobile app before Feb. 15 can still access the service. DeepSeek agreed to the measure after the PIPC recommended that the company suspend service while improving personal data protections. The PIPC announced that it would take DeepSeek "considerable time" for them to implement the proper privacy protections. The results of an internal analysis conducted by the PIPC revealed that DeepSeek's user data was being relayed to ByteDance. The commission added that it had yet to confirm whether this user data could be classified as personal data. As such, it is currently difficult to charge DeepSeek with violating the Personal Information Protection Act. DeepSeek shocked the world with its technological capacity that was on par with AI developed in the US. Skeptics were concerned about DeepSeek indiscriminately collecting personal data to secure training data. Government departments like the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as well as firms like Kakao, started restricting access to DeepSeek on their internal networks on Feb. 4 and issued an advisory to employees against use of the service. With no universal guidelines for government institutions, each department and agency responded to the situation individually, which led to considerable inter-agency confusion. The PIPC sent a questionnaire to DeepSeek's headquarters on Jan. 31 inquiring about the AI model's data collection and processing methods. DeepSeek responded two weeks later, on Feb. 14: "During our global service launch, we neglected to consider certain portions of South Korea's Personal Information Protection. We will proactively cooperate with the PIPC going forward." DeepSeek revised its personal information protection policies on the same day and erased "user keyboard input patterns and rhythms" from the types of data eligible for collection. However, the company removed its "opt out" clause that allows users to refuse DeepSeek's automatic data collection. The PIPC announced that it would closely monitor DeepSeek during the service suspension to ensure that the proper privacy protections are implemented in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act. The commission also announced that it will draft a set of guidelines regarding data privacy for all AI developers looking to launch their services to Korean users. The guidelines are expected to be announced alongside the results of their inspection of DeepSeek's privacy improvements. In March of last year, the PIPC inspected the personal data protection policies of six large language model (LLM) AI developers, including OpenAi, Google and Meta, and recommended certain improvements. Nam Seok, the director of the PIPC's investigations division, called on users who have already downloaded DeepSeek to "refrain from entering personal information into DeepSeek until we issue our final announcement on privacy protections" and to "exercise caution." "We plan to draft policies regarding the collection, storage and processing of user data that has been collected thus far during our inspections," Nam added.

DeepSeek sees additional global scrutiny as South Korea blocks app

South Korea has moved to shut down the artificial intelligence (AI) app DeepSeek, citing data privacy concerns tied to its links with Chinese tech giant ByteDance. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said the app would be removed from Google Play and Apple's App Store at 6 pm local time on February 15, 2025. An investigation by the PIPC found that user information had been accessed by ByteDance, though the extent of data transfers remains unclear. Under South Korean law, apps must disclose when they share user messages with third parties, a rule DeepSeek failed to follow. Authorities urged the company to suspend services and implement corrective measures. DeepSeek agreed to halt operations and pledged to overhaul its platform to comply with local regulations. The South Korean move marks the first time DeepSeek has voluntarily taken action to curb its services amid mounting international scrutiny. The company appointed a local agent in South Korea on February 10 and announced on February 14 that it would fully cooperate with regulators. Global crackdown intensifies The South Korean ban adds to growing global restrictions on DeepSeek. Italy's data protection authority blocked the app in January, citing a lack of transparency on data collection. Australia followed suit, banning DeepSeek from government systems over national security risks. Taiwan's digital ministry has advised public agencies against using the app, flagging cybersecurity concerns. In the US, federal agencies including NASA and the Navy have barred DeepSeek from government-issued devices. Lawmakers are considering a bill to expand the ban across all federal systems. With regulatory scrutiny mounting, DeepSeek faces intensifying pressure to address security concerns or risk further market bans. The company has yet to unveil a clear global strategy to counter the restrictions, leaving its future in limbo.

DeepSeek sent Korean user data to China's ByteDance: regulator

The DeepSeek page is displayed on a computer screen in Seoul, Feb. 6. Newsis Korea's data protection regulator has confirmed that the DeepSeek chatbot, developed by a China-based artificial intelligence startup, sent the nation's user data to a third party, the Chinese owner of TikTok, ByteDance, according to officials Tuesday. The confirmation came a day after the regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), announced it has temporarily suspended new downloads of DeepSeek in Korea over concerns about its data collection practices. "We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance," a PIPC official said. However, the official said the PIPC has "yet to confirm what data was transferred and to what extent." It was the first time the regulator confirmed potential leaks of user data by DeepSeek to a third party. Under Korean law, explicit consent is required from a user if the user's personal information is provided to a third party. The PIPC also sent a formal inquiry to DeepSeek seeking clarification on the service's data collection and management methods. In response, DeepSeek has since assigned a representative in Korea and acknowledged shortcomings in considering local protection laws while also expressing its will to actively cooperate with the commission. (Yonhap)

DeepSeek 'shared user data' with TikTok owner ByteDance

The Chinese app caused shockwaves in the AI world in January, wiping billions off global stock markets over claims its new model was trained at a much lower cost than US rivals such as ChatGPT. Since then, multiple countries have warned that user data may not be properly protected, and in February a US cybersecurity company alleged potential data sharing between DeepSeek and ByteDance. DeepSeek's apparent overnight impact saw it shoot to the top of App Store charts in the UK, US and many other countries around the world - although it now sits far below ChatGPT in UK rankings. In South Korea, it had been downloaded over a million times before being pulled from Apple and Google's App Stores on Saturday evening. Existing users can still access the app and use it on a web browser. The data regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), told South Korea's Yonhap News Agency that despite finding a link between DeepSeek and ByteDance, it was "yet to confirm what data was transferred and to what extent". Critics of the Chinese state have long argued its National Intelligence Law allows the government to access any data it wants from Chinese companies. However, ByteDance, headquartered in Beijing, is owned by a number of global investors - and others say the same law allows for the protection of private companies and personal data. Fears over user data being sent to China was one of the reasons the US Supreme Court upheld a ban on TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance.

South Korea pauses downloads of DeepSeek AI over privacy concerns

The AI giant is willing to cooperate with South Korean authorities to resume downloads there. DeepSeek, the massively popular Chinese AI assistant, has been temporarily unavailable from app stores in South Korea since February 15. A press release from the country's data protection authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), stated that downloads will resume once the Chinese AI company complies with local data protection laws, while those with the app can still use it. DeepSeek is also blocked on South Korean government and military devices. DeepSeek only established a local presence in South Korea on February 10. The company also acknowledged that it didn't fully consider South Korea's data protection laws when launching the service globally. Fortunately for South Korean users, the new AI powerhouse intends to cooperate with the PIPC. The PIPC says that inspecting DeepSeek will take some time. On-site inspections of six AI services from Google, OpenAI, Microsoft and others took around five months. This inspection should take less time because it only involves DeepSeek. In a statement to TechCrunch, the PIPC revealed that it discovered DeepSeek was transferring Korean users' data to ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. Local users were warned against entering personal information into the app. Last month, the Italian Data Protection Authority or Garante, sent DeepSeek an information request asking what type of data the models were trained on and several other questions. Other countries like Australia and Taiwan have also banned the app on government devices due to security concerns. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to South Korea's DeepSeek ban, claiming Beijing would never ask any company or individual to store or collect data illicitly.

South Korea pauses downloads of DeekSeek AI over privacy concerns

The AI giant is willing to cooperate with South Korean authorities to resume downloads there. DeepSeek, the Chinese AI assistant, has been temporarily unavailable from app stores in South Korea since February 15. A from the country's data protection authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), stated that downloads will resume once the Chinese AI company complies with local data protection laws, while those with the app can still use it. DeepSeek is also on South Korean government and military devices. DeepSeek only established a local presence in South Korea on February 10. The company also acknowledged that it didn't fully consider South Korea's data protection laws when launching the service globally. Fortunately for South Korean users, the new AI powerhouse intends to cooperate with the PIPC. The PIPC says that inspecting DeepSeek will take some time. On-site inspections of six AI services from Google, OpenAI, Microsoft and others took around five months. This inspection should take less time because it only involves DeepSeek. In a statement to , the PIPC revealed that it discovered DeepSeek was transferring Korean users' data to ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. Local users were warned against entering personal information into the app. Last month, the Italian Data Protection Authority or Garante, sent DeepSeek an asking what type of data the models were trained on and several other questions. Other countries like and have also banned the app on government devices due to security concerns. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun to South Korea's DeepSeek ban, claiming Beijing would never ask any company or individual to store or collect data illicitly.

Privacy-problematic DeepSeek pulled from app stores in South Korea

In a media briefing held Monday, the South Korean Personal Information Protection Commission indicated that it had paused new downloads within the country of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's mobile app. The restriction took effect on Saturday and doesn't affect South Korean users who already have the app installed on their devices. The DeepSeek service also remains accessible in South Korea via the web. Per Reuters, PIPC explained that representatives from DeepSeek acknowledged the company had "partially neglected" some of its obligations under South Korea's data protection laws, which provide South Koreans some of the strictest privacy protections globally. PIPC investigation division director Nam Seok is quoted by the Associated Press as saying DeepSeek "lacked transparency about third-party data transfers and potentially collected excessive personal information." DeepSeek reportedly has dispatched a representative to South Korea to work through any issues and bring the app into compliance. It's unclear how long the app will remain unavailable in South Korea, with PIPC saying only that the privacy issues it identified with the app might take "a considerable amount of time" to resolve. Western infosec sources have also expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of DeepSeek's security. Mobile security company NowSecure reported two weeks ago that the app sends information unencrypted to servers located in China and controlled by TikTok owner ByteDance; the week before that, another security company found an open, web-accessible database filled with DeepSeek customer chat history and other sensitive data. Ars attempted to ask DeepSeek's DeepThink (R1) model about the Tiananmen Square massacre or its favorite "Winnie the Pooh" movie, but the LLM continued to have no comment.

South Korea blocks DeepSeek access, citing privacy laws

South Korea is the latest governing body to restrict the Chinese company DeepSeek based on the company's data policies. South Korean officials on Saturday announced a temporary suspension of downloading the DeepSeek app until it complies with local data protection laws under the country's Personal Information Protection Act. After analyzing the app's policies, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) "identified some shortcomings in communication functions and personal information processing policies with third-party service providers," according to a press release translated from Korean to English. The PIPC said it will unblock downloads on local app stores once DeepSeek "meets the requirements of domestic protection laws." DeepSeeks burst onto the AI scene in January with an advanced reasoning chatbot that was free, open-source, and made for a fraction of the cost of popular models like OpenAI's o1. But its privacy policy was just as newsworthy since the company collects extensive user data and stores it on servers in China, making it accessible to the Chinese government in accordance with local laws. Countries quickly took note and raised the alarm about data protection and national security risks, given China's status as a foreign adversary. Ireland and Italy have both sent inquiries requesting more information about DeepSeek's policies, and Italy has subsequently blocked downloads. Australia also recently banned the use of DeepSeek on government devices. Since DeepSeek's emergence, U.S. federal legislation has been introduced to ban DeepSeek on government devices and New York and Texas have already moved to do the same in their respective state legislation. Back in South Korea, the announcement said users who have already downloaded DeepSeek will still have access, but told users to "use the app with caution" and not enter personal information.

DeepSeek Downloads Suspended in South Korea Over Data Protection

The firm appointed legal representatives last week in South Korea South Korea's data protection authority on Monday said new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek had been suspended in the country after DeepSeek acknowledged failing to take into account some of the agency's rules on protecting personal data. The service of the app will be resumed once improvements are made in accordance with the country's privacy law, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said in a media briefing. The measure that came into force on Saturday aims to block new downloads of the app, the agency said, though DeepSeek's web service remains accessible in the country. The Chinese startup appointed legal representatives last week in South Korea and had acknowledged partially neglecting considerations of the country's data protection law, the PIPC said. Italy's data protection authority, the Garante, said last month it had ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country after failing to address the regulator's concerns over its privacy policy. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When asked about earlier moves by South Korean government departments to block DeepSeek, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told a briefing on February 6 that the Chinese government attached great importance to data privacy and security and protected it in accordance with the law. The spokesperson also said Beijing would never ask any company or individual to collect or store data in breach of laws. © Thomson Reuters 2025

South Korea blocks downloads of DeepSeek from local app stores | TechCrunch

South Korean officials on Saturday temporarily restricted Chinese AI Lab DeepSeek's app from being downloaded from app stores in the country pending an assessment of how the Chinese company handles user data. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said the Chinese app would be available to be downloaded once it complies with Korean privacy laws and makes the necessary changes. The restrictions will not affect usage of the existing app and web service in the country. However, the data protection authority said it "strongly advises" current users to avoid entering personal information into DeepSeek until its final decision is made. Following the release of the DeepSeek service in South Korea in late January, the PIPC said it reached out to the Chinese AI lab to inquire how it collects and processes personal data, and in its evaluation, found issues with DeepSeek's third-party service and privacy policies. The PICC confirmed to TechCrunch that its investigation found DeepSeek had transferred data of South Korean users to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The agency said DeepSeek recently appointed a local representative in South Korea and acknowledged that it was not familiar with South Korea's privacy laws when it launched its service. The Chinese company also said last Friday that it would collaborate closely with Korean authorities. Earlier this month, South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, police, and a state-run company, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, temporarily blocked access to the Chinese AI startup on official devices citing security concerns. South Korea is not the only country being cautious with DeepSeek given its Chinese origins. Australia has prohibited the use of DeepSeek on government devices out of security concerns. The Garante, Italy's data protection authority, has instructed DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country, while Taiwan has banned government departments from using DeepSeek AI. Hangzhou city-based DeepSeek was founded by Liang Feng in 2023, and it released DeepSeek R1, a free, open-source reasoning AI model that competes with OpenAI's ChatGPT.

New downloads of DeepSeek suspended in South Korea, data protection agency says

Deepseek's logo on Jan. 29, 2025.Andrey Rudakov | Bloomberg | Getty Images South Korea's data protection authority on Monday said new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek had been suspended in the country after DeepSeek acknowledged failing to take into account some of the agency's rules on protecting personal data. The service of the app will be resumed once improvements are made in accordance with the country's privacy law, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said in a media briefing. The measure that came into force on Saturday aims to block new downloads of the app, the agency said, though DeepSeek's web service remains accessible in the country. The Chinese startup appointed legal representatives last week in South Korea and had acknowledged partially neglecting considerations of the country's data protection law, the PIPC said. Italy's data protection authority, the Garante, said last month it had ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country after failing to address the regulator's concerns over its privacy policy. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When asked about earlier moves by South Korean government departments to block DeepSeek, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told a briefing on February 6 that the Chinese government attached great importance to data privacy and security and protected it in accordance with the law. The spokesperson also said Beijing would never ask any company or individual to collect or store data in breach of laws.

South Korea suspends downloads of DeepSeek over user data concerns

South Korea's national data protection authority has temporarily paused the download of DeepSeek from app stores in the country while it investigates how the Chinese company handles user data. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said in a Feb. 17 statement that DeepSeek agreed to suspend new downloads on Feb. 15 and work with the agency to strengthen privacy protections before relaunching. This suspension restricts new downloads, but existing users can still use DeepSeek services, according to the PIPC. However, the agency advises caution for existing users until the investigation results are released. The commission intends to "closely inspect the personal information processing status of DeepSeek service during the service suspension period to improve compliance with the protection law and alleviate concerns about personal information protection of our citizens," the PIPC said. DeepSeek's chatbot, which functions similarly to OpenAI's ChatGPT, launched on Jan. 27, igniting a firestorm of data concerns, with regulators and privacy experts sounding alarms over its potential national security risks. It also may have had a hand in spooking US stock and crypto markets, which saw a drop on the same day as DeepSeek's launch. The PIPC says that after the launch of DeepSeek's chatbot, it began an analysis and sent an inquiry to the company requesting information about how it collects and processes personal data. Related: DeepSeek solidified open-source AI as a serious contender -- AI founder "As a result of our own analysis, we have identified some shortcomings in communication functions and personal information processing policies with third-party service providers that have been pointed out in domestic and international media outlets," the PIPC said. As part of its investigation, the PIPC said it will conduct on-site inspections to confirm compliance with South Korean data protection laws and investigate how DeepSeek stores and processes existing users' data. The agency will also suggest improvements so that DeepSeek can meet the requirements of domestic protection laws and issue guidance for other AI firms to prevent similar cases from recurring. Last year, the PIPC conducted a preliminary on-site inspection of six AI firms in the country, which took about five months. "This inspection is limited to one operator and is expected to proceed more quickly due to the accumulated experience and know-how," the agency said.

DeepSeek Unavailable for Download in South Korea Amid Privacy Concerns

SEOUL, South Korea -- DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has temporarily paused downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea while it works with local authorities to address privacy concerns, according to South Korean officials on Monday. South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek's apps were removed from the local versions of Apple's App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening and that the company agreed to work with the agency to strengthen privacy protections before relaunching the apps. Read More: Is the DeepSeek Panic Overblown? The action does not affect users who have already downloaded DeepSeek on their phones or use it on personal computers. Nam Seok, director of the South Korean commission's investigation division, advised South Korean users of DeepSeek to delete the app from their devices or avoid entering personal information into the tool until the issues are resolved. Many South Korean government agencies and companies have either blocked DeepSeek from their networks or prohibited employees from using the app for work, amid worries that the AI model was gathering too much sensitive information. The South Korean privacy commission, which began reviewing DeepSeek's services last month, found that the company lacked transparency about third-party data transfers and potentially collected excessive personal information, Nam said. Read More: DeepSeek and ChatGPT Answer Sensitive Questions About China Differently Nam said the commission did not have an estimate on the number of DeepSeek users in South Korea. A recent analysis by Wiseapp Retail found that DeepSeek was used by about 1.2 million smartphone users in South Korea during the fourth week of January, emerging as the second-most-popular AI model behind ChatGPT.

DeepSeek removed from South Korea app stores pending privacy review - VnExpress International

Chinese AI app DeepSeek will not be available to download in South Korea pending a review of its handling of user data, Seoul authorities said Monday. DeepSeek's R1 chatbot stunned investors and industry insiders with its ability to match the functions of its Western competitors at a fraction of the cost. But a number of countries have questioned DeepSeek's storage of user data, which the firm says is collected in "secure servers located in the People's Republic of China". On Monday, Seoul's Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek would no longer be available for download until a review of its personal data collection practices was carried out. The Chinese AI firm has "acknowledged that considerations for domestic privacy laws were somewhat lacking", the data protection agency said. It assessed that bringing the app into line with local privacy laws "would inevitably take a significant amount of time", the agency added. "To prevent further concerns from spreading, the commission recommended that DeepSeek temporarily suspend its service while making the necessary improvements," it said. The app was removed from local app stores on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT) and remains unavailable. The AI chatbot is still in use for those who have already downloaded the app. Seoul's data protection agency said it "strongly advised" people to "use the service with caution until the final results are announced". That included "refraining from entering personal information into the DeepSeek input field", it said. Analyst Youm Heung-youl told AFP that the firm was yet to lay out a privacy policy "specifically tailored" for users in South Korea. "It has on the other hand disclosed a privacy policy for the EU and certain other countries, stating that it complies with the domestic laws of those nations," Youm, a data security professor at Soonchunhyang University, said. "Deepseek needs to establish a privacy policy specific to Korea," he said. This month, a slew of South Korean government ministries and police said they blocked access to DeepSeek on their computers. Italy has also launched an investigation into DeepSeek's R1 model and blocked it from processing Italian users' data. Australia has banned DeepSeek from all government devices on the advice of security agencies. U.S. lawmakers have also proposed a bill to ban DeepSeek from being used on government devices over concerns about user data security. In response to the bans, the Chinese government has said it opposes the "politicisation of economic, trade and technological issues". It also insists it "has never and will never require enterprises or individuals to illegally collect or store data".

DeepSeek blocked from app stores in South Korea

Latest in a series of privacy concerns raised about AI chatbots South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has temporarily halted new downloads of Chinese-owned AI chatbot DeepSeek. Reports from TechCrunch confirm the app is still up and running for those who have already installed it, and that the decision won't affect usage of the app - but new downloads will be halted until the Chinese firm complies with Korean privacy laws. South Korea isn't the first to ban new downloads of the chatbot, with the model disappearing from the Italian App store and Google Play Store in late January 2025 after the country's data watchdog filed a privacy complaint and asked for information on how DeepSeek handles users' personal information. DeepSeek has since appointed a local representative to work with authorities in South Korea, but the data protection agency has said it 'strongly advises' current users to refrain from entering personal data into DeepSeek until a final decision is made - here's everything we know so far. The restriction is temporary whilst the PIPC assesses the use and storage of data by DeepSeek, but the agency confirms the model will be available for download once it is compliant. The PIPC found DeepSeek had transferred the data of South Korean users to ByteDance - TikTok's parent company. TikTok, as many will remember well - was briefly banned in the US over privacy and security concerns. DeepSeek isn't the first AI model to come under scrutiny for privacy concerns. The nature of Large Language Models is a bit of a privacy minefield since they scrape every corner of the internet for data to train their models - without the consent of the owners/authors/creators of the media they use. Further than this though, OpenAI has never asked people for permission to use their data, and it's not possible for a person to get confirmation of what data has been used or stored - or for it to be deleted. This contradicts an important facet of GDPR laws, which protect the right to be forgotten and should guarantee individuals the ability to have their personal data erased upon request. As the new kid on the block, DeepSeek is in the spotlight for a number of reasons - and there have been legitimate concerns about how the platform collects and stores your personal information like your email address, name, and date of birth, as well as the data you enter into the chatbot, and the technical information of the device you're using, like IP address, OS, etc. So is DeepSeek safe to use? And can it be used whilst maintaining your privacy? Well there are things you can do to mitigate the risks. As with all LLMs, if you're concerned about data privacy, using AI is probably not a good idea. LLMs scrape data from the internet without permission, and will use your interactions to add to the pool of data the model is trained with, and that's not something you can opt out of, DeepSeek included. If you're in South Korea or Italy and still want to download DeepSeek, even the best VPN services will need a little extra help - as they don't spoof your App store location, so you'll need to download it from elsewhere. This is something we usually advise against, as it can be a really easy way to be tricked into downloading malware - so do so with caution. In terms of the cybersecurity risks, there have been reports DeepSeek is 'incredibly vulnerable' to attacks, and failed to block any harmful prompts when tested, severely underperforming against its rivals. You should be wary when using these chatbots - especially on a company device or if you work in an industry that has national security connections - there's a reason both Australian and Indian government departments have blocked the use of DeepSeek from work devices. A general rule is that users should be especially careful with the information you give to a chatbot. Don't enter your health information, financial data, or anything that you wouldn't want a third party to know. Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity regularly, and flag anything you see as soon as you see it.

South Korea Suspends DeepSeek AI Downloads Over Privacy Violations

South Korea has formally suspended new downloads of Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot DeepSeek in the country until the service makes changes to its mobile apps to comply with data protection regulations. Downloads have been paused as of February 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. local time, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said in a statement. The web service remains accessible. The agency said it commenced its own analysis of DeepSeek right after its launch and that it "identified some shortcomings in communication functions and personal information processing policies with third-party service providers." DeepSeek is said to have recently appointed a local representative, per PIPC, with the company also acknowledging it had failed to take into consideration domestic privacy laws when launching the service. To that end, downloads of DeepSeek are being paused until the company implements the necessary improvements that bring the service in compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act. "This temporary suspension of the DeepSeek app restricts new app downloads from the app market, and we ask existing users to use it cautiously, such as not entering personal information in the DeepSeek input window (prompt) until the final results are announced," the agency noted. Furthermore, PIPC intends to ensure compliance and improve guidance so as to prevent similar lapses from occurring in the future. The development comes shortly after South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) called out the service for "excessively" collecting personal data and using the information to train its AI systems. In recent weeks, DeepSeek's Android and iOS apps have also been found to contain security weaknesses that allow certain data to be sent to its servers in unencrypted format. Beijing has previously said it allows internet companies across the world to operate in the country as long as they follow local laws and regulations, and that it would never ask any company or individual to collect or store data in breach of laws..

DeepSeek AI banned again -- South Korea joins growing list of restrictions

South Korea has banned new downloads of China's DeepSeek AI chatbot, according to the country's personal data protection watchdog. The ban is imposed until the company makes necessary improvements to comply with South Korea's personal data protection laws. DeepSeek gained significant popularity shortly after its launch, reaching over a million weekly users and topping app store charts. However, this surge attracted global scrutiny, leading various countries to restrict the app over privacy and national security concerns. The South Korea Personal Information Protection Commission announced that DeepSeek became unavailable on Apple's App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening. This action followed bans from several South Korean government agencies that prohibited their employees from downloading the chatbot on work devices. Choi Sang-mok, South Korea's acting president, referred to DeepSeek as a "shock," suggesting it could impact the country's industries beyond just AI. While new downloads are suspended, users who already have the app installed can continue using it, including accessing it via DeepSeek's website. In its investigation, the South Korean commission found that DeepSeek lacked transparency regarding third-party data transfers and may have collected excessive personal information. Nam Seok, director of the commission's investigation division, recommended that users delete the app or refrain from entering personal information until these issues are addressed. Research by Wiseapp Retail indicated that DeepSeek had around 1.2 million smartphone users in South Korea during the fourth week of January, making it the second-most-popular AI model behind ChatGPT. In addition to South Korea, Taiwan and Australia have also prohibited its use on government devices, while Italy's regulator has similarly banned it until privacy policy concerns are resolved. Claim: DeepSeek AI can be hacked to generate malware In the United States, lawmakers have proposed a bill to ban DeepSeek from federal devices due to surveillance concerns, and Texas, Virginia, and New York have already implemented such restrictions for state employees. DeepSeek's large language model reportedly offers reasoning capabilities similar to those of US models like OpenAI's o1, but at a significantly lower operational cost. This has raised questions about the substantial investments in AI infrastructure in the US and elsewhere. ActiveFence has flagged serious vulnerabilities within DeepSeek, stating that the model has no guardrails or minimum security standards, making it susceptible to misuse. Testing of the V3 version revealed that 38% of responses to harmful prompts generated potentially dangerous content. ActiveFence's CEO, Noam Schwartz, highlighted that DeepSeek's child safety measures failed against simple multi-step queries, producing responses that violated safety guidelines, unlike its Western counterparts. Examples of harmful content generated included inappropriate suggestions and fabricating dangerous scenarios. Liang Wenfeng, the CEO of DeepSeek, acknowledged the lack of essential guardrails for safety, emphasizing the necessity of regulations to ensure ethical AI use. Despite its functional attributes, the absence of safeguards has led to significant concerns about DeepSeek's potential for abuse. With the app's integration into sensitive environments, such as banking or law enforcement, the risks become particularly pronounced, as noted by experts in digital safety. Meanwhile, ActiveFence is working to educate users on online safety through initiatives like their podcast, Galaxy Stars.

South Korea pauses DeepSeek downloads over privacy concerns - SiliconANGLE

South Korea pauses DeepSeek downloads over privacy concerns South Korea's personal data protection watchdog has announced that downloads of the popular Chinese artificial intelligence app DeepSeek have been banned in the country. The Personal Information Protection Commission said the app was removed from the local version of Apple's App Store and Google Play over the weekend. The officials said the app will remain unavailable until "improvements and remedies" have been made that meet the criteria for South Korea's personal data protection laws. People who already have the app will still be able to use it, and DeepSeek's website will continue to be available. No sooner than DeepSeek had been released, it shot to the top of downloads in app stores, gaining at least a million weekly users. Then came the scrutiny in several countries over privacy and national security concerns, after which a number of South Korean government agencies banned their staff from downloading the app. Nonetheless, people who already have the app will still be able to use it, and DeepSeek's website will remain available. DeepSeek's released stunned the tech world when it was let loose on the world at the end of January, sending U.S. tech stocks into a tail spin. Generally thought to be just as powerful as generative AI such as Open AI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek was made at just a fraction of the cost, raising doubts about the billions spent on American AI chatbots. Since that meteoric rise, a number of nations have put the brakes on DeepSeek downloads, including Australia, Taiwan, and now South Korea, which have all cited privacy or national security concerns. Italy's watchdog also reported a suspension of downloads, stating the country wasn't content with DeepSeek's data policy. Like other generative AI apps, DeepSeek says it might collect personal information on its users, such as email addresses and dates of birth, and it will use prompts to improve its product. Given the fear over Made in China tech and DeepSeek's popularity, countries such as France and Ireland have since questioned DeepSeek's privacy policies. So far the U.S. hasn't issued a ban on downloads of DeepSeek, but there has already been a proposal to stop federal employees using the app. Texas, Virginia, and New York didn't wait, already introducing bans for government employees earlier in February. "Texas will not allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate our state's critical infrastructure through data-harvesting AI and social media apps," said the Texas governor, Gregg Abbott. He added, "Texas will continue to protect and defend our state from hostile foreign actors."

Downloads of DeepSeek's AI apps paused in South Korea over privacy concerns

SEOUL, South Korea -- DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has temporarily paused downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea while it works with local authorities to address privacy concerns, according to South Korean officials on Monday. South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek's apps were removed from the local versions of Apple's App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening and that the company agreed to work with the agency to strengthen privacy protections before relaunching the apps. The action does not affect users who have already downloaded DeekSeek on their phones or use it on personal computers. Nam Seok, director of the South Korean commission's investigation division, advised South Korean users of DeepSeek to delete the app from their devices or avoid entering personal information into the tool until the issues are resolved. Many South Korean government agencies and companies have either blocked DeepSeek from their networks or prohibited employees from using the app for work, amid worries that the AI model was gathering too much sensitive information. The South Korean privacy commission, which began reviewing DeepSeek's services last month, found that the company lacked transparency about third-party data transfers and potentially collected excessive personal information, Nam said. Nam said the commission did not have an estimate on the number of DeepSeek users in South Korea. A recent analysis by Wiseapp Retail found that DeepSeek was used by about 1.2 million smartphone users in South Korea during the fourth week of January, emerging as the second-most-popular AI model behind ChatGPT.

DeepSeek's AI model downloads temporarily blocked in Korea over privacy concerns

DeepSeek's AI app is seen in this photo illustration created Jan. 29. Reuters-Yonhap Service to be resumed after company improves user data protection measures: data watchdogBy Kwak Yeon-soo New downloads of the artificial intelligence (AI) app from DeepSeek have been temporarily blocked here, Korea's data watchdog said Monday, adding that the Chinese company took the measure voluntarily after acknowledging that considerations for domestic privacy laws were somewhat lacking. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), Korea's national data protection authority, announced that downloads of the app were suspended at 6 p.m. on Saturday and will be reinstated once improvements are made in compliance with the country's Personal Information Protection Act. While there have been cases in other countries of governments blocking the app, this seems to be the first occasion in which the company has voluntarily suspended the service, according to the PIPC. "During the service suspension period, we will closely examine the DeepSeek AI model's personal data processing to ensure better compliance with the country's privacy law and address concerns about data privacy," Choi Jang-hyuk, vice chairman of PIPC, said during a press briefing. However, DeepSeek remains available to users who had already downloaded the app or are using the web version. "For those who have already downloaded the app or are using it through an internet browser, we strongly advise them to use the service with caution until the final results are announced," Choi said. The PIPC sent an inquiry in late January to DeepSeek's headquarters in China, requesting details on data collection, processing and storage methods. The commission's own analysis also found the service did not fully meet the nation's privacy laws. DeepSeek then acknowledged these and promised active cooperation with the PIPC. But the commission, concluding the service improvements would take considerable time, recommended the company suspend the service first until it can complete improvements -- which DeepSeek accepted, according to the PIPC. Choi Jang-hyuk, vice chairman of the Personal Information Protection Commission, speaks during a press briefing at Government Complex Seoul, Monday. Yonhap DeepSeek has raised security concerns in several countries due to allegations that it collects and stores user device information, IP addresses and even keyboard input patterns on servers in China during the AI learning process. As a result, government ministries and police have banned its use on government-owned devices. The ministries responsible for particularly sensitive information, such as the foreign and defense ministries, were quick to impose the restriction. Major conglomerates in Korea have also blocked the AI service. Hyundai Motor Group joined the move earlier this month, prohibiting its affiliates from using the service for security reasons. Employees from other major tech firms, such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and SK hynix, are also not allowed to use DeepSeek's R1 AI model on their laptops and desktops. Financial firms have also followed suit, with Korea's four major banking groups -- KB, Shinhan, Hana and Woori -- blocking access to R1. Korea joins several other countries in prohibiting government access to DeepSeek. These restrictions vary from outright bans on government devices and systems to warnings and guidelines discouraging its use, often driven by concerns over data collection and transmission to China. "In Italy, the authorities blocked the service immediately after its launch," said Nam Suk, director-general for investigation and coordination at PIPC. Italy blocked downloads of DeepSeek from Apple and Google app stores in late January to protect citizens' data. Australia and Taiwan also banned DeepSeek from all government devices on the advice of security agencies. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson addressed the issue directly during a regular press briefing on Feb. 6. "The Chinese government attaches great importance to data privacy and security and protects it in accordance with the law. We have never asked and will never ask any company or individual to collect or store data against laws," spokesperson Guo Jiakun said. "China has all along opposed moves to overstretch the concept of national security or politicize trade and tech issues. We will firmly protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies." The Chinese Embassy in Seoul declined to comment further on the issue, with one official stating, "I don't think we have anything to add beyond the spokesperson's statement."

Downloads of DeepSeek's AI apps paused in South Korea over privacy concerns | BreakingNews.ie

DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up, has temporarily paused downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea while it works with local authorities to address privacy concerns, according to South Korean officials on Monday. South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek's apps were removed from the local versions of Apple's App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening and that the company agreed to work with the agency to strengthen privacy protections before relaunching the apps. The action does not affect users who have already downloaded DeepSeek on their phones or use it on personal computers. Nam Seok, director of the South Korean commission's investigation division, advised South Korean users of DeepSeek to delete the app from their devices or avoid entering personal information into the tool until the issues are resolved. Many South Korean government agencies and companies have either blocked DeepSeek from their networks or prohibited employees from using the app for work, amid worries that the AI model was gathering too much sensitive information. The South Korean privacy commission, which began reviewing DeepSeek's services last month, found that the company lacked transparency about third-party data transfers and potentially collected excessive personal information, Nam said. A recent analysis by Wiseapp Retail found that DeepSeek was used by about 1.2 million smartphone users in South Korea during the fourth week of January, emerging as the second-most-popular AI model behind ChatGPT.

South Korea removes DeepSeek from app stores, pending privacy review

The country's government agencies had previously blocked employees from using DeepSeek over worries that the AI model was gathering too much sensitive information. DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has temporarily paused downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea while it works with local authorities to address privacy concerns, according to South Korean officials on Monday. South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek's apps were removed from the local versions of Apple's App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening and that the company agreed to work with the agency to strengthen privacy protections before relaunching the apps. The action does not affect users who have already downloaded DeekSeek on their phones or use it on personal computers. Nam Seok, director of the South Korean commission's investigation division, advised South Korean users of DeepSeek to delete the app from their devices or avoid entering personal information into the tool until the issues are resolved. Many South Korean government agencies and companies have either blocked DeepSeek from their networks or prohibited employees from using the app for work, amid worries that the AI model was gathering too much sensitive information. The South Korean privacy commission, which began reviewing DeepSeek's services last month, found that the company lacked transparency about third-party data transfers and potentially collected excessive personal information, Nam said. Nam said the commission did not have an estimate on the number of DeepSeek users in South Korea. A recent analysis by Wiseapp Retail found that DeepSeek was used by about 1.2 million smartphone users in South Korea during the fourth week of January, emerging as the second-most-popular AI model behind ChatGPT.

These nations are banning DeepSeek AI - here's why

South Korea just banned DeepSeek from the Google Play and the App Store. Several other countries have also taken action against the Chinese startup's chatbot. Regulators across the world are increasingly taking action against DeepSeek AI, the controversial Chinese startup behind two open-source models that have shaken up the industry. Also: What is DeepSeek? Here's what you should know On Tuesday, South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PICP) announced it was removing DeepSeek's chatbot app from Google Play and the App Store, due to the company's failure to comply with South Korean data protection requirements. PICP asked DeepSeek to suspend its availability on the two app platforms, which the company agreed to. This move prevents new downloads of the app, but does not remove the app from devices it's already been downloaded to. People in South Korea can also still access the chatbot via the internet. A few weeks ago, the country's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy also temporarily restricted the app on government devices due to the same security concerns. However, if DeepSeek can prove its compliance with South Korean data standards, both the app suspension and the government device ban will be reconsidered. Also: I used Huawei's $3,600 tri-foldable, and it made every phone I've ever tested feel outdated Australia and Taiwan have taken similar precautions for government employees, and US agencies, including NASA and the Navy, have also begun to restrict DeepSeek's app and website. US lawmakers are introducing greater restrictions for all government devices. Last month, Italy ordered DeepSeek to limit how it processes user data, though the implications of that and whether DeepSeek has complied are unclear. Garante, the country's data protection bureau, is investigating whether DeepSeek complies with GDPR, Europe's data protection standard. The growing list of bans mimics some countries' initial approach to ChatGPT in the months after its release in 2022, at times due to data breaches and security concerns. In early February, Feroot Security found specifications in DeepSeek's code that forward sensitive user data to Chinese-government-operated companies like China Mobile, which has been banned from operating in the US for years due to security concerns. Also: I tested 10 AI content detectors - and these 3 correctly identified AI text every time Some security firms have recommended organizations ban downloads of DeepSeek's app due to the company's poor encryption practices.

Downloads of DeepSeek's AI apps paused in South Korea over privacy concerns

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has temporarily paused downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea while it works with local authorities to address privacy concerns, according to South Korean officials on Monday. South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek's apps were removed from the local versions of Apple's App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening and that the company agreed to work with the agency to strengthen privacy protections before relaunching the apps. The action does not affect users who have already downloaded DeekSeek on their phones or use it on personal computers. Nam Seok, director of the South Korean commission's investigation division, advised South Korean users of DeepSeek to delete the app from their devices or avoid entering personal information into the tool until the issues are resolved. Many South Korean government agencies and companies have either blocked DeepSeek from their networks or prohibited employees from using the app for work, amid worries that the AI model was gathering too much sensitive information. The South Korean privacy commission, which began reviewing DeepSeek's services last month, found that the company lacked transparency about third-party data transfers and potentially collected excessive personal information, Nam said. Nam said the commission did not have an estimate on the number of DeepSeek users in South Korea. A recent analysis by Wiseapp Retail found that DeepSeek was used by about 1.2 million smartphone users in South Korea during the fourth week of January, emerging as the second-most-popular AI model behind ChatGPT.

New downloads of DeepSeek suspended in South Korea, data protection agency says

South Korea's data protection authority on Monday said new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek had been suspended in the country after DeepSeek acknowledged failing to take into account some of the agency's rules on protecting personal data. The service of the app will be resumed once improvements are made in accordance with the country's privacy law, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said in a media briefing. The measure that came into force on Saturday aims to block new downloads of the app, the agency said, though DeepSeek's web service remains accessible in the country. The Chinese startup appointed legal representatives last week in South Korea and had acknowledged partially neglecting considerations of the country's data protection law, the PIPC said. Italy's data protection authority, the Garante, said last month it had ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country after failing to address the regulator's concerns over its privacy policy. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When asked about earlier moves by South Korean government departments to block DeepSeek, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told a briefing on February 6 that the Chinese government attached great importance to data privacy and security and protected it in accordance with the law. The spokesperson also said Beijing would never ask any company or individual to collect or store data in breach of laws.

Downloads of DeepSeek's AI apps paused in South Korea over privacy concerns

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has temporarily paused downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea while it works with local authorities to address privacy concerns, according to South Korean officials on Monday. South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek's apps were removed from the local versions of Apple's App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening and that the company agreed to work with the agency to strengthen privacy protections before relaunching the apps. The action does not affect users who have already downloaded DeekSeek on their phones or use it on personal computers. Nam Seok, director of the South Korean commission's investigation division, advised South Korean users of DeepSeek to delete the app from their devices or avoid entering personal information into the tool until the issues are resolved. Many South Korean government agencies and companies have either blocked DeepSeek from their networks or prohibited employees from using the app for work, amid worries that the AI model was gathering too much sensitive information. The South Korean privacy commission, which began reviewing DeepSeek's services last month, found that the company lacked transparency about third-party data transfers and potentially collected excessive personal information, Nam said. Nam said the commission did not have an estimate on the number of DeepSeek users in South Korea. A recent analysis by Wiseapp Retail found that DeepSeek was used by about 1.2 million smartphone users in South Korea during the fourth week of January, emerging as the second-most-popular AI model behind ChatGPT.

South Korea suspends new downloads of DeepSeek, citing privacy concerns

SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korea's data protection authority said Monday that new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek had been suspended in the country after DeepSeek acknowledged failing to take into account some of the agency's rules on protecting personal data. The service of the app will be resumed once improvements are made in accordance with the country's privacy law, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said in a media briefing. The measure that came into force on Saturday aims to block new downloads of the app, the agency said, though DeepSeek's web service remains accessible in the country. The Chinese startup appointed legal representatives last week in South Korea and had acknowledged partially neglecting considerations of the country's data protection law, the PIPC said. Italy's data protection authority, the Garante, said last month it had ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country after failing to address the regulator's concerns over its privacy policy. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When asked about earlier moves by South Korean government departments to block DeepSeek, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told a briefing on Feb. 6 that the Chinese government attached great importance to data privacy and security and protected it in accordance with the law. The spokesperson also said Beijing would never ask any company or individual to collect or store data in breach of laws.

DeepSeek: South Korea blocks, Tencent dives in

STORY: New Chinese AI model DeepSeek is drawing concern, and excitement, depending on where you are. On Monday, South Korea's data protection watchdog said it was suspending downloads of the app. The regulator said it took action after DeepSeek admitted failing to take into account some rules on the protection of data privacy. Officials said downloads would be permitted again once the app was in compliance. There was no immediate comment from DeepSeek. But privacy protection has emerged as a key concern over the product. Italy's data protection authority said last month that it had ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot there over similar worries. Earlier this month, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Beijing would never ask any company to collect or store personal data in breach of national laws. Meanwhile DeepSeek continues to get a very warm welcome in its home country. Chinese tech giant Tencent saw its Hong Kong-listed shares up over 3% by midafternoon Monday. The jump came after it said it was testing integration of DeepSeek with its Weixin messaging app. Technology shares in Hong Kong have roared higher in recent weeks, in large part on optimism over the app. With its claim to beat or match Western rivals at a fraction of the cost, investors hope DeepSeek can boost China's whole tech sector.

DeepSeek AI Chatbot Banned in Multiple Countries Over Privacy and Security Risks

DeepSeek Under Global Scrutiny: Privacy and Security Concerns Trigger Bans South Korea has halted new downloads of the AI chatbot DeepSeek, citing concerns over data privacy and national security risks. The ban, enforced across Apple and Google app stores, follows growing scrutiny of DeepSeek's data collection practices, which reportedly violate local privacy laws. While existing users can still access the chatbot via web browsers, the South Korean government demands regulatory compliance before lifting the suspension. This move aligns with global efforts to curb potential surveillance threats, as countries like Taiwan, Australia, and the U.S. impose similar restrictions on the AI-powered platform. DeepSeek processes draw concern from the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) of South Korea because they appear to violate local personal information protection laws. The application must seek regulatory confirmation of compliance with local regulations before the suspension will be lifted. Since its launch last month, the newly released has achieved rapid growth in South Korea and other countries. DeepSeek maintains its operations through designated agents operating in regions beyond South Korean jurisdiction to establish contact with local regulators about the ban situation.

South Korea suspends new downloads of Chinese AI app DeepSeek over data privacy concerns

South Korea's data protection authority has taken swift action to suspend new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek. The decision follows the company's acknowledgment of failing to fully comply with the country's privacy regulations. While the app's service will be resumed once it aligns with South Korea's privacy standards, the company is still allowed to operate its web service within the country. This move highlights the growing scrutiny of AI and tech companies over their handling of personal data. DeepSeek has already faced similar issues in Italy, where its chatbot was blocked for similar privacy concerns. For now, it remains to be seen whether the company will make the necessary adjustments to avoid further suspensions in other countries.

S Korea says DeepSeek removed from local app stores pending privacy review

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korean authorities said Monday that DeepSeek would not be available from local app stores pending a review of the Chinese AI startup's handling of user data. The app was removed while authorities "thoroughly examine DeepSeek's personal data processing practices to ensure compliance" with local laws, Choi Jang-hyuk, vice chairperson of Seoul's Personal Information Protection Commission, told a press conference. DeepSeek launched its R1 chatbot last month, claiming it matches the capacity of artificial intelligence pacesetters in the United States for a fraction of the cost, upending the global industry. But South Korea, along with countries such as France and Italy, have questioned DeepSeek's data practices, submitting a written request for information about how the company handles user data. In a press release, Seoul's data protection agency said DeepSeek had "acknowledged that considerations for domestic privacy laws were somewhat lacking". The agency assessed that bringing the app into line with local privacy laws "would inevitably take a significant amount of time", it added. "To prevent further concerns from spreading, the commission recommended that DeepSeek temporarily suspend its service while making the necessary improvements," it said, adding that DeepSeek "accepted" that proposal. The app was removed from local app stores on Saturday at 6.00 pm (0900 GMT). DeepSeek was unavailable on the South Korean version of Apple's app store on Monday. But it was still available to users who had already downloaded the app.

DeepSeek banned in South Korea, to be removed from App Store

Bad news for DeepSeek users in South Korea. The country's regulator announced on Monday that the Chinese AI app is now banned in South Korea under allegations that it fails to comply with local data protection laws. As a result, both Apple and Google will have to remove the app from their respective app stores. As reported by Reuters, South Korea's data protection authority has ordered tech companies like Apple and Google to implement measures to block downloads of the app. Despite this, DeepSeek can still be accessed via a web browser in the country - at least for now. The regulator claims that the app doesn't comply with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) law. The report mentions that DeepSeek has already appointed legal representatives in South Korea and acknowledged that it partially neglected the considerations of the country's data protection law. A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that the Chinese government attaches "great importance to data privacy and security and protected it in accordance with the law." According to South Korea's regulator, DeepSeek can resume operations there as soon as it implements changes to ensure that the app complies with the country's privacy law. For those unfamiliar, DeepSeek is a Chinese AI startup that became popular after launching a new model called "R1," which performs just as well as competing AI models but using far fewer hardware resources. DeepSeek was recently praised by Apple CEO Tim Cook, but has caused a lot of controversy due to its origin. Italy was the first country to ban DeepSeek for privacy reasons, while a US senator has created a bill that aims to fine those who use Chinese AI. DeepSeek reached the top of the US App Store last month, overtaking OpenAI's ChatGPT. The app is currently the 13th most downloaded in the ranking.

South Korea Joins Italy In Halting Downloads Of China's DeepSeek Amid Global Scrutiny Over Privacy Issues

Enter your email to get Benzinga's ultimate morning update: The PreMarket Activity Newsletter South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) on Monday said it has halted new downloads of DeepSeek. What Happened: The suspension will remain in place until the app complies with South Korea's privacy regulations, reported Reuters. The app's web service remains accessible in the country. This action, effective since Saturday, aims to ensure adherence to data protection laws. See Also: Apple Supplier Foxconn's Efforts To Make iPhones In India Thwarted By Tech And Talent Exports: Report DeepSeek has acknowledged partial non-compliance with South Korean data protection laws and has appointed legal representatives in the country. The PIPC has stressed the need for improvements before allowing new downloads to resume. Why It's Important: In January 2025, tech stocks worldwide dropped amid fears that DeepSeek's low-cost model could threaten U.S. AI giants. Nvidia Corp., the top U.S. maker of AI chips, saw its stock plunge 17% on Jan. 27, wiping out about $600 billion in market value -- a record single-day loss. Subscribe to the Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox. The suspension in South Korea is part of a broader pattern of global scrutiny and regulatory actions against DeepSeek. Last month, Italy's data protection authority, the Garante, also ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot over similar privacy concerns. Earlier this month, Taiwan banned the use of DeepSeek's AI services in government departments, citing security concerns. Australia has also banned DeepSeek from all government devices. The U.S. is also investigating DeepSeek for potential violations of an AI technology embargo. The White House has also placed the company under scrutiny for potential national security risks. Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by following this link. Read Next: Elon Musk's $97.4 Billion OpenAI Takeover Bid Reportedly Not Received By ChatGPT Parent: 'Another One Of His Tactics,' Says Sam Altman Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Photo courtesy: Deepseek Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

South Korea bans new downloads of China's DeepSeek AI

South Korea has banned new downloads of China's DeepSeek artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, according to the country's personal data protection watchdog. The government agency said the AI model will become available again to South Korean users when "improvements and remedies" are made to ensure it complies with the country's personal data protection laws. In the week after it made global headlines, DeepSeek became hugely popular in South Korea leaping to the top of app stores with over a million weekly users. But its rise in popularity also attracted scrutiny from countries around the world which have imposed restrictions on the app over privacy and national security concerns.

DeepSeek disappears from South Korean app stores

Nation also orders thousands of GPUs to advance local AI smarts South Korea suspends DeepSeek, which vows to return in better shape Nation also orders enough GPUs to train many more LLMs South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission has suspended local availability of apps from Chinese LLM-and-chatbot developer DeepSeek. The commission on Monday revealed the DeepSeek app was withdrawn from local app stores as of Saturday February 15th, after South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission determined the software breached local privacy laws. Sout Korea's nation's national intelligence service had already warned citizens that DeepSeek collects plenty of personal information, shares user info with advertisers, and uses all input for training purposes. The chatbot has also caused offence in South Korea by suggesting that national dish Kimchi, a fermented vegetable salad, may have Chinese origins. Interestingly, the commission's announcement states that a "domestic agent" representing DeepSeek has already engaged with the info protection org and "expressed the intention to actively cooperate" in discussions about changes to the app with a view to securing its return to app stores. Before required changes can be discussed, the commission wants to make an on-site inspection of DeepSeek's operations. South Korean authorities conducted similar probes last year at Microsoft, Google, OpenAI and three other AI operators. Those investigations wound up after five months. The commission advised the DeepSeek investigation should be shorter, as this time around it's investigating just the Chinese outfit. While the investigation proceeds, citizens who have already downloaded the app or access DeepSeek online have been advised to use it cautiously and avoid entering personal information. Several nations have banned DeepSeek from being run or accessed on government-owned devices, and Italy has banned its use outright. South Korea appears to be alone in having had it removed from app stores. Monday was a busy one for AI-related government action in South Korea, as its Ministry of Strategy and Finance announced plans to acquire 10,000 GPUs this year, and another 8,000 in 2026, so that local researchers have access to infrastructure that helps them stay abreast of the tech. Officials noted efforts like Europe's planned €200 billion ($207 billion) investment in AI infrastructure, and the $500 billion Stargate project, and decided South Korea needed something similar. South Korea's project appears not to have a fancy name to match "Stargate". It may also not deliver particularly fancy results, as its plans for 18,000 GPUs are modest compared to efforts like the 100,000 GPUs planned to run at Elon Musk's X, the tens of thousands of GPUs DeepMind expects will be needed to train new models, or Meta's 600,000 strong GPU fleet. ®

Gov't suspends local service of Chinese AI app DeepSeek

The Deepseek logo is seen in this illustration taken Jan. 27. Reuters-Yonhap The government said Monday it has temporarily suspended the local service of Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) app DeepSeek over concerns about its data collection practices. The Personal Information Protection Commission said the service was suspended at 6 p.m. Saturday and will be resumed after "improvements and remedies" are made in line with Korea's personal information protection laws. The measures comes after multiple government ministries and agencies blocked internal access to the AI service amid concerns about the startup's data management practices. The commission sent a formal inquiry to DeepSeek last month seeking clarification on the service's data collection and management methods. DeepSeek has since assigned a representative in Korea and acknowledged shortcomings in considering local protection laws while also expressing its will to actively cooperate with the commission. (Yonhap)