DeepSeek's New Downloads Suspended In South Korea: Here's Why

DeepSeek’s regulatory challenges highlight the growing concerns surrounding AI-driven platforms and their compliance with national data protection frameworks.

The DeepSeek restriction took effect on Saturday.

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South Korea’s data protection authority has temporarily suspended new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, citing non-compliance with the country's personal data protection regulations. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) announced the decision on Monday, stating that the app’s availability will resume once necessary modifications are implemented to align with South Korea’s privacy laws.

The restriction, which took effect on Saturday, prevents new installations of DeepSeek within the country. However, the app’s web-based service remains accessible to users, the PIPC confirmed during a media briefing.

Overlooking South Korea's Data Policies

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, recently appointed legal representatives in South Korea and admitted to partially overlooking aspects of the nation’s data protection policies, according to the PIPC. The commission emphasised that compliance adjustments are required before the app can resume full functionality in the country.

The move follows similar regulatory actions in other nations. Last month, Italy’s data protection authority, known as the Garante, directed DeepSeek to suspend its chatbot services in the country, citing unresolved concerns over its privacy policies.

Commenting on prior South Korean government efforts to restrict DeepSeek, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry stated in a February 6 briefing that the Chinese government attached great importance to data privacy and security and protected it in accordance with the law. The spokesperson further asserted, "Beijing would never ask any company or individual to collect or store data in breach of laws."

As global scrutiny over data privacy intensifies, DeepSeek’s regulatory challenges highlight the growing concerns surrounding AI-driven platforms and their compliance with national data protection frameworks. It remains to be seen how quickly the company can address South Korea’s legal requirements to regain full operational status in the region.