South Korea has officially suspended new downloads of the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek, effective February 15, 2025. This decision comes as the country's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) identified significant privacy issues related to the app's data handling practices. Existing users can still access the app, but they are advised to exercise caution regarding personal information input.
Key Takeaways
South Korea's PIPC has paused new downloads of DeepSeek due to privacy violations.
The app will remain unavailable until compliance with local data protection laws is achieved.
Existing users are urged to refrain from entering personal information while the review is ongoing.
Background of DeepSeek
DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI chatbot, gained rapid popularity in South Korea shortly after its launch, amassing over a million weekly users. However, its swift rise raised alarms regarding its data collection practices, prompting scrutiny from various governments worldwide.
Privacy Violations Identified
The PIPC's investigation revealed several shortcomings in DeepSeek's communication functions and its policies regarding personal information processing. Key issues included:
Excessive Data Collection: The app was found to collect more personal data than necessary for its operations.
Unencrypted Data Transmission: Security weaknesses allowed sensitive data to be sent to servers without encryption, raising concerns about potential data breaches.
Lack of Compliance: DeepSeek acknowledged its failure to consider South Korea's privacy laws during its launch, leading to the current suspension.
Government Response
In response to the findings, the South Korean government has taken several measures:
Suspension of Downloads: New downloads of DeepSeek have been halted until the app complies with local regulations.
Advisory for Existing Users: Users are advised to use the app cautiously and avoid entering personal information.
Review Process: The PIPC will conduct a thorough review of DeepSeek's data handling practices, which may take significant time to complete.
Global Implications
The suspension of DeepSeek in South Korea is part of a broader trend, as other countries have also raised concerns about the app:
Taiwan and Australia: Both have banned DeepSeek from government devices due to similar privacy concerns.
Italy: The Italian data protection agency has imposed restrictions on the app, requiring it to address privacy issues before being allowed back on app stores.
United States: Lawmakers are considering a bill to ban DeepSeek from federal devices, citing surveillance risks.
The suspension of DeepSeek's downloads in South Korea highlights the growing scrutiny of AI applications and their data handling practices. As governments worldwide grapple with privacy concerns, the future of DeepSeek will depend on its ability to align with local regulations and restore user trust. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of robust data protection measures in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
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Sources
South Korea Suspends DeepSeek AI Downloads Over Privacy Violations, The Hacker News.
South Korea bans new downloads of China's DeepSeek AI, MSN.
South Korea suspends download of Chinese AI app DeepSeek | News.az, News.az.
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Privacy Commission suspends DeepSeek's app service over data processing issues - CHOSUNBIZ, Chosun Biz.