South Korea Joins Italy in Banning DeepSeek Downloads Amid Data Privacy Concerns

In a move that echoes Italy’s recent actions, South Korea has halted new downloads of the DeepSeek AI app due to mounting concerns over the Chinese startup’s handling of user data. The South Korean government, through its Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), cited the company’s failure to comply fully with the country’s data protection laws. This decision reflects broader international scrutiny of DeepSeek’s privacy practices.

The PIPC reported that DeepSeek had recently appointed legal representatives in South Korea and acknowledged shortcomings in adhering to local privacy regulations. The company’s admission that it had partially neglected the country’s data protection laws prompted the government to act. The commission has stated that the ban will be lifted once the company complies with the nation’s privacy requirements.

This latest ban follows a pattern of global pushback against DeepSeek. Earlier this month, Australia banned the AI app from being used on government devices due to security concerns. In addition, Italy’s privacy regulator blocked the service, citing similar data policy violations. Countries such as Taiwan, Ireland, and France have also raised alarms over potential risks, with investigations already underway.

DeepSeek, which gained worldwide popularity for its advanced AI capabilities and open-source model, has faced increasing scrutiny as it rapidly expanded. In January, the app became the most downloaded free app on the Apple store, surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, its rapid rise has led to concerns from multiple governments, prompting stricter oversight and action across several nations.

SOURCE: BUSINESS DAY