South Korea has temporarily suspended the download of the Chinese AI app, DeepSeek, as authorities review its handling of user data.
The Personal Information Protection Commission of Seoul announced Monday that the app would no longer be available for download until the company addresses concerns regarding its data collection practices. DeepSeek has been criticized for storing user data on servers in China, sparking privacy concerns in multiple countries.
The Chinese AI company acknowledged that it had not fully considered South Korea’s privacy laws and accepted the recommendation to halt the app’s service until it can align with local regulations. The commission noted that updating the app’s data practices to meet South Korean standards would take significant time.
DeepSeek remains accessible to users who have already downloaded the app, but South Korea’s data protection agency has advised users to exercise caution, especially when entering personal information.
The app has already been removed from local app stores, with South Korean authorities advising the public to refrain from entering sensitive data until the review is completed.
DeepSeek has yet to establish a privacy policy specifically for South Korea, though it has outlined policies for the European Union and other regions. Privacy experts suggest the company must tailor its practices to meet South Korean laws.
In response to the app’s removal, China’s Foreign Ministry urged foreign governments to avoid politicizing security concerns, insisting that Chinese companies operate in full compliance with local laws.
DeepSeek’s challenges with data privacy are not limited to South Korea, with Italy and Australia also taking action against the app, and the U.S. proposing legislation to ban its use on government devices.
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