South Korea's recent ban on downloading the AI chatbot DeepSeek reflects growing regulatory scrutiny over data privacy as the app garners worldwide attention for its innovative technology.
South Korea Halts Downloads of Controversial Chinese AI App DeepSeek
South Korea Halts Downloads of Controversial Chinese AI App DeepSeek
Regulators pause access to the app amid concerns over data protection compliance.
The South Korean government announced on Monday a temporary suspension of new downloads for the artificial intelligence chatbot DeepSeek, developed by the Chinese firm that has rapidly gained global popularity. As of Monday night, DeepSeek was no longer available on Apple or Google app stores in South Korea; however, users could still reach the app through a web browser. Authorities stated that the service would be reinstated after confirming the app's adherence to the nation’s data protection laws.
Released last month, DeepSeek has soared to the top of app store rankings worldwide, showcasing an AI system that competes with leading technologies from American companies at a significantly lower development cost, as claimed by the creators. This competitive edge has prompted a downturn in U.S. tech stocks, igniting discussions regarding the efficacy of American attempts to restrict Chinese access to high-quality computer chips.
The ascent of DeepSeek has thrust the relatively unknown company into the spotlight, earning it accolades in China as a technological pioneer. Its founder, Liang Wenfeng, even enjoyed a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other technology executives recently. However, outside China, the app's surge in popularity has evoked concerns from regulators regarding potential issues related to security, censorship, and sensitive data management.
In South Korea, the app quickly became one of the leading downloads in the artificial intelligence sector, prompting the government to issue advisories preventing many employees from using DeepSeek products on official devices. Regulatory agencies in Taiwan and Australia echoed this sentiment, urging their personnel to steer clear of the app due to similar security worries.
According to South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission, preliminary findings indicated that the app mishandled user data, and the agency anticipates significant time will be required to rectify these concerns. In response, DeepSeek appointed a representative dedicated to South Korea last week to address the regulatory scrutiny.
Meanwhile, from the Chinese perspective, the government emphasized that local firms must comply with foreign legal standards while calling on other nations to avoid politicizing economic and technological interactions.
Released last month, DeepSeek has soared to the top of app store rankings worldwide, showcasing an AI system that competes with leading technologies from American companies at a significantly lower development cost, as claimed by the creators. This competitive edge has prompted a downturn in U.S. tech stocks, igniting discussions regarding the efficacy of American attempts to restrict Chinese access to high-quality computer chips.
The ascent of DeepSeek has thrust the relatively unknown company into the spotlight, earning it accolades in China as a technological pioneer. Its founder, Liang Wenfeng, even enjoyed a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other technology executives recently. However, outside China, the app's surge in popularity has evoked concerns from regulators regarding potential issues related to security, censorship, and sensitive data management.
In South Korea, the app quickly became one of the leading downloads in the artificial intelligence sector, prompting the government to issue advisories preventing many employees from using DeepSeek products on official devices. Regulatory agencies in Taiwan and Australia echoed this sentiment, urging their personnel to steer clear of the app due to similar security worries.
According to South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission, preliminary findings indicated that the app mishandled user data, and the agency anticipates significant time will be required to rectify these concerns. In response, DeepSeek appointed a representative dedicated to South Korea last week to address the regulatory scrutiny.
Meanwhile, from the Chinese perspective, the government emphasized that local firms must comply with foreign legal standards while calling on other nations to avoid politicizing economic and technological interactions.
