South Korea Bans New Downloads of China’s DeepSeek AI Over Privacy Concerns
Seoul — South Korea has blocked new downloads of DeepSeek, China’s fast-rising AI chatbot, as concerns over data privacy and national security continue to mount globally. The country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) confirmed the suspension, stating that the app will only be reinstated once it meets South Korea’s data protection laws.
DeepSeek skyrocketed in popularity in South Korea after making international headlines, amassing over a million weekly users and quickly climbing to the top of app store charts. However, its rapid success has also triggered regulatory crackdowns, with governments around the world imposing restrictions over privacy risks.
Over the weekend, DeepSeek disappeared from Apple’s App Store and Google Play in South Korea following a series of government bans on the chatbot for official work devices. The country’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, called DeepSeek a “shock” with potential ramifications beyond the AI sector, hinting at its broader impact on South Korean industries.
Despite the ban on new downloads, users who already have the app installed can continue using it, and access remains available via DeepSeek’s website.
Global Scrutiny and Security Fears
DeepSeek’s emergence has not only disrupted the AI landscape but also shaken confidence in U.S. leadership in the field. The chatbot, built on a large language model (LLM) with capabilities rivaling OpenAI’s latest technology, reportedly requires significantly lower costs to train and operate—raising questions about the billions of dollars being poured into AI development in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Governments worldwide are taking action. Taiwan and Australia have already banned DeepSeek on all government devices, following similar concerns about data security. Italy’s regulator, which previously imposed a brief ban on ChatGPT in 2023, has now blocked DeepSeek until it addresses privacy policy concerns.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., lawmakers are pushing for a federal ban on DeepSeek, citing potential surveillance risks. At the state level, Texas, Virginia, and New York have already restricted the app’s use on government devices.
As DeepSeek continues to disrupt the AI race, the debate over privacy, national security, and the future of artificial intelligence remains far from settled.
