South Korea Blocks DeepSeek AI App Downloads Amid Data Security Investigation

South Korea has taken a firm stance on data privacy by temporarily blocking downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek. The decision, announced by the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), follows concerns about how the company collects and handles user data. 

While the app remains accessible to existing users, authorities have strongly advised against entering personal information until a thorough review is complete.

DeepSeek, developed by the Chinese AI Lab of the same name, launched in South Korea earlier this year. Shortly after, regulators began questioning its data collection practices. 

Upon investigation, the PIPC discovered that DeepSeek had transferred South Korean user data to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. This revelation raised red flags, given the ongoing global scrutiny of Chinese tech firms over potential security risks.

South Korea’s response reflects its increasing emphasis on digital sovereignty. The PIPC has stated that DeepSeek will only be reinstated on app stores once it aligns with national privacy regulations. 

The AI company has since appointed a local representative and acknowledged that it was unfamiliar with South Korea’s legal framework when it launched the service. It has now committed to working with authorities to address compliance issues.

DeepSeek’s privacy concerns extend beyond South Korea. Earlier this month, key government agencies—including

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