Privacy Concerns Lead to Temporary Suspension
DeepSeek AI Halted downloads of its chatbot applications in South Korea following concerns about user data protection. The decision came after South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) flagged potential privacy risks. On Saturday evening, the company removed its apps from the local versions of Apple’s App Store and Google Play. South Korean authorities confirmed that DeepSeek is now working with them to enhance its privacy policies before resuming operations.
While the removal prevents new downloads, users who have already installed the app on their mobile devices or use it on personal computers can continue accessing its services. However, Nam Seok, director of the PIPC’s investigation division, advised users to either delete the app or refrain from entering sensitive personal information until the concerns are resolved.
Rising Popularity and Growing Scrutiny
DeepSeek AI halted gained global recognition last month when it claimed to have developed a highly efficient AI chatbot at a significantly lower cost than its U.S. competitors. The announcement generated a surge in interest, sparking discussions on the growing AI rivalry between China and the United States. However, its rapid rise has also led to increased scrutiny, particularly regarding data security and user privacy.
Amid growing concerns, many South Korean government agencies and companies have taken precautionary steps. Several organizations have either blocked DeepSeek from their internal networks or prohibited employees from using the chatbot for work-related purposes. Authorities fear that the AI model may be collecting excessive amounts of sensitive data, posing potential security risks.
Regulatory Investigation and Future Outlook
The South Korean Privacy Commission began investigating DeepSeek’s services last month. Initial findings revealed a lack of transparency in how the company handles third-party data transfers, as well as concerns about excessive personal data collection. As a result, regulators have urged DeepSeek to implement stricter privacy safeguards before allowing further downloads in the country.
The commission has not yet determined the exact number of DeepSeek users in South Korea. However, a recent report by Wiseapp Retail estimated that around 1.2 million smartphone users in the country had used the AI chatbot during the fourth week of January, making it the second most popular AI model after ChatGPT.
As DeepSeek AI halted its operations to comply with South Korean privacy regulations, the situation highlights broader concerns over data security in the evolving AI landscape. The outcome of this regulatory review could influence how AI startups operate in international markets and shape future policies on AI-driven applications.
