The Chinese artificial intelligence assistant, DeepSeek, has encountered a temporary unavailability in South Korean app stores starting from February 15. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) of South Korea has stated that the application will return once it aligns with local data protection regulations. Meanwhile, existing users can continue using the app without interruption. This development follows shortly after DeepSeek's establishment in South Korea on February 10, highlighting the company's initial oversight of regional data laws. Cooperation between DeepSeek and PIPC is underway to ensure compliance. Additionally, inspections are expected to be thorough yet faster compared to similar reviews for other global AI services.

Adapting to Local Regulations: DeepSeek's Path Forward in South Korea

DeepSeek's recent challenges in South Korea underscore the importance of adhering to regional data protection standards. After its launch, the company realized it had not fully accounted for South Korea's stringent data protection requirements. In response, DeepSeek has committed to working closely with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) to address these concerns. While new downloads remain paused, current users face no disruption in service. Moreover, the application is inaccessible on government and military devices, emphasizing the seriousness of data security issues.

Established in South Korea just days before this issue arose, DeepSeek now faces a critical period of adjustment. The company acknowledges its initial failure to thoroughly consider local data protection laws during its global rollout. To rectify this, DeepSeek intends to collaborate closely with the PIPC. This collaboration aims to ensure that all necessary adjustments are made swiftly, allowing for a smooth re-entry into the South Korean market. The process will involve rigorous evaluations and modifications to meet the required standards, ensuring user data remains protected and secure.

Data Transfer Concerns Raise International Attention

Concerns over data handling have drawn attention from various international authorities. The PIPC has revealed that DeepSeek was transferring user data to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, raising alarms among local users about potential privacy risks. Authorities have advised against entering personal information into the app until further notice. This situation has prompted inquiries from other countries, including Italy, where the Data Protection Authority sought detailed information on the types of data used to train the AI models. Similar actions have been taken by Australia and Taiwan, which have restricted the app on government devices due to security concerns.

The transfer of user data to ByteDance has sparked significant concern among South Korean authorities and users alike. The PIPC has explicitly warned against inputting personal details into the app until comprehensive safeguards are implemented. Beyond South Korea, the Italian Data Protection Authority has also expressed interest in understanding the nature of data utilized by DeepSeek. Furthermore, several countries, including Australia and Taiwan, have banned the app on official devices out of precautionary measures. These developments highlight the growing scrutiny faced by AI platforms regarding data management and security practices. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reassured that Beijing does not condone any illegal data collection or storage activities, underscoring the need for transparent and compliant operations.