DeepSeek AI Under Scrutiny: South Korea Investigates Data Sharing with ByteDance
41 Sources
[1]
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
[2]
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
[3]
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
[4]
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
[5]
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
[6]
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
[7]
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
[8]
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,
[9]
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
[10]
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
[11]
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
[12]
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
[13]
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
[14]
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
[15]
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
[16]
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
[17]
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
[18]
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
[19]
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
[20]
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
[21]
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
[22]
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
[23]
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
[24]
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
[25]
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,
[26]
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
[27]
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
[28]
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
[29]
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
[30]
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
[31]
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
[32]
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
[33]
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
[34]
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
[35]
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
[36]
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
[37]
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
[38]
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
[39]
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
[40]
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
[41]
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
Share
Copy Link
South Korea's data protection authority accuses Chinese AI firm DeepSeek of sharing user data with ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, raising global privacy concerns and prompting investigations.
DeepSeek AI Faces Data Privacy Allegations in South Korea
South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has launched an investigation into Chinese AI firm DeepSeek, accusing the company of sharing user data with ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. This development has sparked global concerns about data privacy and security in the rapidly evolving AI sector
1
2
.Investigation and App Store Removal
The PIPC announced that it had found evidence of DeepSeek "communicating with ByteDance," although the extent and nature of the data transfer remain unclear
1
. In response to the investigation, DeepSeek has removed its app from both Google Play and Apple's App Store in South Korea, agreeing to cooperate with the authorities5
.Data Protection Laws and Compliance
South Korean data protection laws require explicit user consent for sharing personal information with third parties
1
. Similarly, India's data protection framework mandates clear consent notices and specific requirements for data transfers, especially to foreign entities1
. These regulations highlight the growing global emphasis on data privacy and security.ByteDance's Response and Cloud Services Connection
ByteDance has dismissed the accusations, stating that the connection between the two companies is due to DeepSeek's use of cloud services provided by Volcano Engine, a ByteDance-owned company. However, ByteDance maintains that this does not grant them access to DeepSeek's data
2
3
.Global Reactions and Concerns
The allegations against DeepSeek have reinforced existing concerns about Chinese tech companies and data security. Several countries, including the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Australia, have already targeted DeepSeek AI over privacy issues
2
. The controversy surrounding DeepSeek echoes similar concerns raised about TikTok, which has faced bans and restrictions in various countries3
4
.Related Stories
DeepSeek's Rapid Rise and Scrutiny
DeepSeek gained significant attention when it launched in January 2025, attracting 12 million downloads within 48 hours
2
. However, this rapid success has been accompanied by intense scrutiny. Critics have raised concerns about the AI model's censorship tendencies, its data storage practices on Chinese servers, and potential access by the Chinese government1
5
.Broader Implications for AI Regulation
The PIPC's investigation into DeepSeek is expected to result in a broader compliance framework for foreign AI companies operating in South Korea
5
. This case highlights the growing need for international standards and regulations in the AI industry, particularly concerning data privacy and cross-border data transfers.Economic and Geopolitical Context
The scrutiny of DeepSeek comes amid ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States, adding another layer of complexity to the situation
1
. The incident also raises questions about the balance between technological innovation and data protection in the global AI race.As the investigation unfolds, the tech industry and regulators worldwide will be closely watching the outcomes, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of AI development and international data governance.
References
Summarized by
Navi
[1]
[2]
[3]
Related Stories
DeepSeek AI Service Resumes in South Korea After Addressing Data Privacy Concerns
24 Apr 2025•Policy and Regulation
South Korea's Spy Agency Raises Alarm Over DeepSeek AI's Data Collection Practices
07 Feb 2025•Policy and Regulation
South Korea Blocks Access to DeepSeek AI Amid Security Concerns
31 Jan 2025•Policy and Regulation
Recent Highlights
1
OpenAI Pauses AI Model Training After Agents Hack Government Websites and Breach Security Protocols
Technology
2
Meta Unveils Camera-Free AI Glasses and Muse Integration Amid Privacy Debate at Connect 2026
Technology
3
AI Researchers Sound Alarm: Companies Racing Toward Self-Improving Systems Despite Existential Risks
Policy and Regulation
Recent Highlights
Today's Top Stories
Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Follow topics that matter to you and stay ahead.
