DeepSeek AI App Downloads Halted in South Korea Amid Privacy Concerns
DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has faced a temporary setback in South Korea, with downloads of its chatbot apps being paused due to privacy concerns. South Korean officials announced that DeepSeek will collaborate with local authorities to address these concerns.
Why the Suspension?
- Privacy Violations: The primary reason for the suspension is to address privacy concerns raised by South Korean authorities.
- Lack of Transparency: South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) discovered that DeepSeek lacked transparency regarding third-party data transfers and potentially collected excessive personal information.
- Security Weaknesses: Reports have emerged indicating that DeepSeek’s Android and iOS apps contained security weaknesses, which allowed certain data to be sent to its servers in unencrypted format.
Official Actions and Recommendations
- App Removal: DeepSeek’s apps were removed from the local versions of Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
- Collaboration: The company has agreed to work with the PIPC to strengthen privacy protections before relaunching the apps.
- User Advisory: Nam Seok, director of the South Korean commission’s investigation division, advised South Korean users to delete the app or avoid entering personal information until the issues are resolved.
- Restrictions: Several South Korean government agencies and companies have either blocked DeepSeek from their networks or prohibited employees from using the app for work.
DeepSeek’s Response
- Cooperation: DeepSeek is cooperating with South Korean authorities to address the identified privacy concerns.
- Local Representative: DeepSeek has appointed a local representative.
- Compliance: DeepSeek intends to implement the necessary improvements to comply with the Personal Information Protection Act.
Broader Implications
- Global Scrutiny: DeepSeek’s surge in popularity has drawn scrutiny from countries worldwide, with some imposing restrictions due to privacy and national security concerns.
- Other countries banning DeepSeek:
- Taiwan and Australia have banned DeepSeek from all government devices.
- Italy’s regulator briefly banned DeepSeek in 2023.
- Lawmakers in the U.S. have proposed a bill banning DeepSeek from federal devices.
This action in South Korea highlights the increasing importance of data protection and regulatory compliance in the age of AI. AI companies must prioritize user privacy and adhere to local laws to maintain user trust and avoid disruptions.
Also Read:
