South Korea blocks downloads of DeepSeek from local app stores | TechCrunch
Feb 17, 2025 - techcrunch.com
South Korean officials have temporarily restricted the download of Chinese AI Lab DeepSeek's app from app stores in the country, pending an assessment of its data handling practices. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) stated that the app would be available again once it complies with Korean privacy laws. While current users can still use the app and web service, they are advised against entering personal information until a final decision is made. The PIPC's investigation revealed that DeepSeek had transferred South Korean user data to ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. DeepSeek has since appointed a local representative and expressed willingness to collaborate with Korean authorities.
The restriction follows broader concerns about DeepSeek's Chinese origins, with other countries like Australia, Italy, and Taiwan also taking precautionary measures. Australia has banned the app on government devices, Italy's data protection authority has instructed DeepSeek to block its chatbot, and Taiwan has prohibited its use in government departments. DeepSeek, founded by Liang Feng in 2023, released DeepSeek R1, an open-source AI model competing with OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Key takeaways:
South Korean officials have temporarily restricted the download of DeepSeek's app pending an assessment of its data handling practices.
The Personal Information Protection Commission found that DeepSeek transferred South Korean user data to ByteDance.
DeepSeek has appointed a local representative in South Korea and is working to comply with local privacy laws.
Other countries, including Australia, Italy, and Taiwan, have also taken measures against DeepSeek due to security concerns.
