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DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has temporarily halted new downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea following growing concerns over its data privacy practices. The decision comes after an investigation by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) revealed significant privacy issues with the app. While the app remains available for existing users, the company is now working with authorities to resolve the matter and comply with local data protection regulations.
Privacy Issues Prompt Action by South Korean Authorities
On Saturday evening, the PIPC announced that it had removed DeepSeek’s apps from both Apple’s App Store and Google Play in South Korea. The removal affects only new downloads of the app, meaning those who had already installed it prior to the suspension can still use the chatbot on their devices, including personal computers. However, Nam Seok, the director of the PIPC’s investigation division, urged users to delete the app from their devices or avoid inputting personal information until privacy issues are fully addressed.
The main concern driving the investigation is that DeepSeek’s AI model may be collecting excessive amounts of personal data, raising alarms about user privacy and data security. As a result, many government agencies and companies in South Korea have already taken action by blocking DeepSeek’s services from their networks, with some going so far as to prohibit employees from using the app for work purposes.
Lack of Transparency and Excessive Data Collection
The PIPC began its review of DeepSeek’s services last month after receiving complaints regarding potential privacy violations. Investigators found that the company had failed to be transparent about third-party data transfers and may have been collecting more personal information than was necessary for the operation of its chatbot.
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While the commission has yet to disclose the number of users affected in South Korea, recent data from Wiseapp Retail estimates that DeepSeek had around 1.2 million users in the country by late January. This made it the second-most-popular AI chatbot in South Korea, following ChatGPT.
Previous Privacy Concerns in Other Countries
DeepSeek’s troubles are not confined to South Korea. The company faced similar issues in Italy, where the country’s data protection authority, Garante, ordered a suspension of its chatbot service due to unresolved privacy concerns. The suspension in South Korea mirrors this move, as regulatory bodies in both countries have raised alarms over the chatbot’s data-handling practices.
DeepSeek’s Response and Future Plans
In response to the privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny, DeepSeek has committed to addressing the issues. The company has agreed to work closely with the PIPC to improve privacy protections and ensure compliance with South Korea’s data protection regulations. The service will be reinstated once DeepSeek meets the necessary requirements.
To further address the concerns, DeepSeek appointed legal representatives in South Korea last week, who are now leading efforts to resolve the issues. The company has acknowledged the oversight and is working to rectify the situation.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government has expressed its commitment to data privacy and security, emphasizing that Chinese companies like DeepSeek will not be forced to collect or store data in violation of national laws.
