South Korea has suspended the download of Chinese AI app DeepSeek, citing concerns over its handling of user data. The country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) announced the ban, stating that DeepSeek will not be available on app stores until it makes changes to comply with South Korea’s data protection laws.
DeepSeek’s rise to popularity in South Korea was swift, with over a million weekly users. However, its rapid growth also drew scrutiny from governments worldwide, with several countries imposing restrictions over concerns about privacy and national security.
The PIPC’s decision follows a ban by multiple government agencies preventing employees from downloading the chatbot on work devices. Existing users can continue using the app, but the commission has advised them to exercise caution and refrain from entering personal information until a decision on the app’s future has been made.
DeepSeek’s data handling practices have raised concerns globally. The app’s privacy policy suggests that user data is stored on servers in China, which has sparked worries about surveillance and data protection. Several countries, including Taiwan, Australia, and Italy, have banned DeepSeek from government devices over these concerns.
In the US, lawmakers have proposed a bill to ban DeepSeek from federal devices due to surveillance risks. Some states, including Texas, Virginia, and New York, have already implemented similar restrictions.
Despite the ban, DeepSeek remains accessible via its website. The company has been asked to address concerns over its privacy policy before it becomes available again on app stores. The PIPC plans to closely inspect DeepSeek’s data handling practices during the suspension period to ensure compliance with South Korea’s data protection laws.
