DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, has skyrocketed in global app store rankings but faces scrutiny in South Korea over personal data handling and security concerns.
South Korea Halts Access to Controversial Chinese AI App DeepSeek
South Korea Halts Access to Controversial Chinese AI App DeepSeek
Regulators are temporarily suspending downloads of the popular DeepSeek app, pending a review of its data protection compliance.
South Korea's government has issued a temporary ban on new downloads of DeepSeek, a rapidly growing Chinese AI chatbot, following concerns about compliance with the nation's data protection regulations. The app was noticeably absent from the Apple and Google app stores on Monday, despite being accessible through web browsers. Regulators indicated the service would be reinstated once they confirm adherence to South Korea's laws on personal information protection.
Since its launch, DeepSeek has dominated app store charts worldwide, driven by AI technology that competes with leading American products yet developed with significantly lower costs and fewer high-end computer chips. This has sparked a debate in the U.S. about the effectiveness of current strategies to control China's access to critical tech resources, leading to a decline in U.S. tech stocks.
The app's swift rise to prominence has thrust the relatively unknown DeepSeek into the global spotlight. In China, it is celebrated as a symbol of domestic innovation. Company founder Liang Wenfeng had a notable meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, showcasing DeepSeek's significant recognition within the country.
However, this fame abroad raises alarms among regulators about potential risks associated with security, censorship, and data management. The app has quickly become one of the most downloaded AI applications in South Korea, prompting government instructions for workers to avoid using DeepSeek products on official devices due to security issues. Similar advisories have been issued in Taiwan and Australia for government workers amid rising apprehensions.
The South Korean Personal Information Protection Commission reported concerns regarding the app's handling of personal data, asserting that rectifying these issues would be a time-consuming process. In response, DeepSeek recently appointed a local agent to help address compliance matters.
From China's perspective, government officials have emphasized the necessity for Chinese firms operating abroad to comply with local regulations. They also expressed hope that other nations would refrain from politicizing trade and technology issues, a sentiment echoed by Guo Jiakun, a representative of China's foreign ministry.
Since its launch, DeepSeek has dominated app store charts worldwide, driven by AI technology that competes with leading American products yet developed with significantly lower costs and fewer high-end computer chips. This has sparked a debate in the U.S. about the effectiveness of current strategies to control China's access to critical tech resources, leading to a decline in U.S. tech stocks.
The app's swift rise to prominence has thrust the relatively unknown DeepSeek into the global spotlight. In China, it is celebrated as a symbol of domestic innovation. Company founder Liang Wenfeng had a notable meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, showcasing DeepSeek's significant recognition within the country.
However, this fame abroad raises alarms among regulators about potential risks associated with security, censorship, and data management. The app has quickly become one of the most downloaded AI applications in South Korea, prompting government instructions for workers to avoid using DeepSeek products on official devices due to security issues. Similar advisories have been issued in Taiwan and Australia for government workers amid rising apprehensions.
The South Korean Personal Information Protection Commission reported concerns regarding the app's handling of personal data, asserting that rectifying these issues would be a time-consuming process. In response, DeepSeek recently appointed a local agent to help address compliance matters.
From China's perspective, government officials have emphasized the necessity for Chinese firms operating abroad to comply with local regulations. They also expressed hope that other nations would refrain from politicizing trade and technology issues, a sentiment echoed by Guo Jiakun, a representative of China's foreign ministry.
