South Korea suspends DeepSeek app downloads over privacy concerns
BERNAMA
17/02/2025
The DeepSeek service was suspended on Saturday evening and will only resume after "improvements and corrections" are made. - Reuters Photo
SEOUL: The South Korean government on Monday temporarily suspended the download of the artificial intelligence (AI) app DeepSeek from China due to concerns about its data-gathering practices.
The Personal Information Protection Commission informed that the service was suspended on Saturday evening and will only resume after "improvements and corrections" are made in accordance with South Korea's personal information protection laws, Yonhap News Agency reported.
However, existing users can still access the app, but are advised to be careful. "Those who have downloaded DeepSeek and used it on the internet should be vigilant because there is a risk of personal information being compromised," commission official Nam Seok told reporters.
This action was taken after several ministries and government agencies blocked internal access to the AI service due to concerns about its data management.
According to reports, the commission voiced its concerns about DeepSeek and the company agreed to temporarily suspend the service until corrections are made.
Last month, the commission also sent an official statement to DeepSeek seeking clarification on the company's data collection and management methods.
In response, the company appointed a legal representative in South Korea and acknowledged that there were shortcomings in compliance with local data protection laws.
He also voiced his willingness to cooperate fully with the commission.
During the suspension period, the commission intends to conduct a thorough assessment of the company's data management practices to ensure full compliance with relevant laws.
In addition, the commission also pledged to propose legal amendments to strengthen regulation of foreign-based companies in similar cases without affecting the use of AI.
--BERNAMA
