DeepSeek App Banned in South Korea Amid Privacy Concerns, Global Scrutiny Intensifies

In a significant move toward bolstering digital security, the South Korean government has temporarily halted the availability of the Chinese AI-driven app, DeepSeek, pending a thorough review of its user data handling procedures. Announced early Monday by Seoul's Personal Information Protection Commission, this decision underscores rising apprehensions over foreign digital services and their adherence to domestic privacy laws.

DeepSeek, known for its cost-effective and high-functioning AI capabilities through the R1 chatbot, has been a subject of international acclaim as well as scrutiny. Authorities across various nations, including Italy and the U.S., have expressed their unease regarding the app's data storage protocols, particularly because all user data is reportedly stored on servers in China, raising questions about data sovereignty and security.

The prominence of the app grew thanks to its ability to mirror the functionalities of Western AI technologies but at a lower cost, attracting a wide user base and investor interest. However, the storage of sensitive user data on Chinese servers has led to a backlash amidst escalating tensions concerning data privacy and national security.

The response in Seoul came swiftly as the Personal Information Protection Commission observed that DeepSeek had admitted to gaps in its compliance with South Korea's strict privacy legislations. The commission indicated that aligning the app's operations with local laws would be a time-consuming process and has, therefore, advised a temporary suspension of the service. This period of unavailability will allow the app makers to make the necessary adjustments without compromising the security of existing and potential users.

According to the commission, those who have already installed DeepSeek can continue using it but have been strongly advised to refrain from entering sensitive personal information into the app. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any potential data breaches or privacy violations during the review period.

The scrutiny over DeepSeek isn't isolated. This month, several South Korean government bodies enforced a ban on accessing DeepSeek from their office networks, following the lead of other countries. The Italian authorities have initiated a probe into DeepSeek's R1 model, specifically blocking it from handling information pertaining to Italian users. Similarly, in Australia, the application has been banned on all government devices, guided by recommendations from national security agencies.

In response to international reactions, Chinese officials have defended their stance on overseas operations of Chinese firms. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized adherence by Chinese companies to local laws in foreign markets and cautioned against the politicizing of trade and technological disputes.

As global dependencies on AI technologies deepen, the DeepSeek incident serves as a pivotal example of the complexities involving international tech governance, data privacy, and security in an interconnected digital world. The outcome of Seoul's review could potentially influence other nations' policies toward foreign digital services, especially those from geopolitical rivals.