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In a significant move, South Korea has decided to block access to the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) service, DeepSeek, over concerns about its data collection practices. According to Yonhap News Agency, a finance ministry official confirmed the decision on Thursday, citing multiple technical issues and data security concerns raised both domestically and internationally.
The official stated, “Due to multiple technical concerns raised about DeepSeek from home and abroad, we plan to block access for the service on PCs connected to external networks.” This action follows previous restrictions placed on government computers within specific ministries. On Wednesday, South Korea’s foreign, trade, and defense ministries implemented similar measures, blocking access to DeepSeek from government systems.
Expansion of Restrictions Across Government Agencies
The restrictions are not limited to the ministries already mentioned. The Ministry of Unification, in line with the National Intelligence Service and the interior ministry, has been taking precautions since 2023. A ministry official confirmed that undisclosed official data has been prohibited from being entered into generative AI services, including DeepSeek. The official added that further measures to block DeepSeek access would be enacted shortly, ensuring that the service would be unavailable across the government’s internet-connected systems.
The Ministry of Environment also took swift action, restricting access to DeepSeek on Thursday. It blocked the AI service from all government PCs connected to the internet, reinforcing the growing concerns regarding its security risks. An official from the ministry highlighted that intelligence agencies have expressed caution regarding DeepSeek’s potential to collect personal information, the scope of which remains unclear.
Rising Global Concerns Over DeepSeek’s Data Collection
South Korea’s decision to block DeepSeek is part of a broader global trend of countries tightening their grip on Chinese AI services. Just days before South Korea’s announcement, Taiwan took similar action. On January 31, Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) banned government employees from using DeepSeek, warning that the service could expose sensitive data to the Chinese government. The Ministry classified DeepSeek as a Chinese information and communications technology (ICT) product, citing concerns over national security risks posed by potential data leaks.
In addition to Taiwan and South Korea, several other countries have raised alarms about DeepSeek. Italy’s data protection authority recently blocked the service, citing concerns about its opaque handling of personal data. Both the United States and Australia have also imposed restrictions on Chinese AI models, with the US accusing DeepSeek of engaging in activities that undermine national security.
Allegations of Technology Theft and Export Control Violations
The scrutiny surrounding DeepSeek escalated further in January when Howard Lutnick, the nominee for US Commerce Secretary, made critical accusations against the Chinese AI service. During a US Senate hearing, Lutnick claimed that DeepSeek had been involved in stealing US technology and circumventing export control regulations to acquire Nvidia chips essential for AI development. He accused DeepSeek of exploiting Meta’s open platform to develop its models at a significantly reduced cost, all while bypassing US export restrictions.
“I take a very jaundiced view of China. They only think about themselves and seek to harm us, and so we need to protect ourselves,” Lutnick said, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding US technological advancements. He called for an end to DeepSeek’s ability to circumvent export controls, adding that it was a major national security concern.
The Growing Global Scrutiny of Chinese AI Models
South Korea’s actions highlight a mounting international concern regarding the use of Chinese AI models, particularly DeepSeek. As data privacy and security become increasingly important on the global stage, countries are stepping up their efforts to regulate and monitor the use of AI technologies that could jeopardize national security or lead to the exploitation of sensitive information.
The growing list of countries blocking or restricting DeepSeek is indicative of the larger trend of tightening control over foreign AI products, especially those with links to China. As technology continues to advance, ensuring data privacy and protecting citizens’ information remain paramount concerns for governments worldwide. South Korea’s move, alongside similar actions from other nations, is likely to fuel ongoing debates about AI regulations and the global risks posed by certain tech companies.
With the international community closely watching, DeepSeek and other Chinese AI services are facing increasing pressure to comply with stricter transparency and security standards, while governments seek to protect sensitive data and safeguard national security interests.
