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China’s AI App DeepSeek Suspended in South Korea Amid Privacy Concerns

Seoul, South Korea — Chinese artificial intelligence app DeepSeek has been removed from South Korean app stores pending a review of its data collection practices, Seoul authorities announced Monday. The decision follows growing concerns over the app’s handling of user information, which DeepSeek claims is stored on "secure servers located in the People's Republic of China."

The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) stated that DeepSeek would not be available for download until a comprehensive evaluation of its compliance with South Korea’s privacy laws is completed. According to the commission, the AI firm acknowledged "somewhat lacking considerations" for domestic data protection regulations.

The PIPC assessed that aligning DeepSeek with local laws would be a time-consuming process and recommended a temporary suspension of the service. The company has since accepted this recommendation, leading to its removal from local app stores on Saturday at 6:00 PM (0900 GMT).

Existing Users Cautioned

While new downloads are restricted, individuals who have already installed DeepSeek can still access its services. However, the data protection agency has strongly advised users to proceed with caution.

"It is recommended that people refrain from entering personal information into DeepSeek’s input fields until the final results of the review are announced," the commission stated.

Global Scrutiny on DeepSeek’s Data Policies

Privacy concerns surrounding DeepSeek extend beyond South Korea. Italy recently launched an investigation into the company’s R1 model, blocking it from processing Italian users’ data. Meanwhile, Australia has banned DeepSeek from all government devices following advice from security agencies, and U.S. lawmakers have proposed legislation to prohibit the app’s use on government systems due to data security risks.

Despite the restrictions, DeepSeek has yet to introduce a privacy policy specifically tailored to South Korean users, according to Youm Heung-youl, a data security professor at Soonchunhyang University. "The firm has detailed policies for the EU and other select countries but has not yet done so for South Korea," he told AFP.

China Responds to Restrictions

Addressing the app’s removal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing expects its companies to comply with foreign regulations but urged countries to avoid politicizing technology issues.

"We ask Chinese firms to conduct overseas operations in strict compliance with local laws and regulations," Guo stated, adding that governments should refrain from taking actions that "overstretch the concept of security" in trade and technology matters.

Earlier this month, multiple South Korean government ministries and police departments blocked access to DeepSeek on their official computers, reflecting broader concerns over national cybersecurity risks.

Despite the international backlash, the Chinese government maintains that it "has never and will never require enterprises or individuals to illegally collect or store data."

The ongoing review in South Korea will determine whether DeepSeek can return to the local market, though experts predict the process could take significant time.