South Korea Suspends DeepSeek AI Over Privacy Concerns
South Korea has taken strong action against DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by a China-based startup, after concerns arose about its data-sharing practices. The country’s data protection regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), has confirmed that DeepSeek sent South Korean user data to a third party. The third party in question is ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok.
In response to these concerns, South Korea has temporarily stopped new downloads of the DeepSeek chatbot. To prevent further potential leaks of user data, officials made this decision while the investigation is ongoing. They enforced the suspension at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The chatbot will remain blocked until it makes improvements to comply with South Korea’s strict data protection laws.
Under South Korean law, companies must obtain explicit user consent before sharing personal information with third parties. If a company fails to follow these rules, it can face severe legal consequences. Since DeepSeek allegedly transferred data without proper authorization, the government acted quickly to suspend its services.
The news of this suspension has raised concerns among users who had been engaging with the AI chatbot. Many are now questioning whether their personal conversations and data might have been accessed or stored by an external entity. With rising fears over digital privacy, South Korea’s regulatory action highlights the importance of data protection in the era of artificial intelligence.
ByteDance Connection Confirmed, Investigation Underway
The PIPC has confirmed that DeepSeek communicated with ByteDance, marking a significant finding in the case. However, the extent of the data transfer remains unclear. The regulator is still investigating what specific information was shared, how frequently it occurred, and whether sensitive personal details were involved.
This is the first time South Korean authorities have officially confirmed a potential data leak from the DeepSeek chatbot. Given the growing concerns over AI-driven applications, this case is being closely watched by both regulatory bodies and technology experts.
To gain more clarity, the PIPC has sent an official inquiry to DeepSeek, demanding detailed information about its data collection and management practices. Authorities are particularly interested in understanding how the AI chatbot processes and stores user data, and whether similar incidents have occurred before.
In response to the government’s concerns, DeepSeek has assigned a local representative in South Korea. The company has admitted that it did not fully take South Korea’s privacy laws into account when designing its service. This acknowledgment suggests that DeepSeek may need to make significant changes to continue operating in the country legally.
Multiple government ministries and agencies have already restricted internal access to the chatbot. This precautionary move reflects the seriousness of the situation, as officials aim to prevent potential security risks linked to foreign AI applications. The investigation is ongoing, and the PIPC is expected to provide further details once more information is uncovered.
ByteDance Link Acknowledged as DeepSeek Promises Cooperation
Following the suspension of its services, DeepSeek has expressed its willingness to cooperate with South Korean authorities. The company has acknowledged shortcomings in its data protection policies and has promised to make necessary improvements to align with local regulations.
Despite this assurance, the chatbot service remains blocked in South Korea. The PIPC has made it clear that DeepSeek’s operations will not resume until it provides sufficient proof of improved security measures. Authorities will closely monitor the situation to ensure that the company follows through on its commitments.
The suspension of DeepSeek is part of a broader effort by South Korea to strengthen its digital security policies. The government has been increasing scrutiny on foreign technology companies, particularly those handling personal user data. With the rise of AI-driven applications, the focus on data protection has never been more critical.
As the investigation progresses, South Korea remains firm on its commitment to safeguarding its citizens’ personal information. The case of DeepSeek reminds people of the growing risks associated with digital platforms and highlights the need for strict oversight to protect user privacy.
