- South Korea removed DeepSeek over data privacy concerns.
- DeepSeek agreed to suspend its service for review.
- The app is blocked in Italy, Australia, and the US.
South Korea has temporarily removed the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from its app stores, citing concerns over its handling of user data.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the decision was announced by Seoul’s Personal Information Protection Commission on Monday, comes as the country reviews the app’s data collection practices.
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DeepSeek, known for its chatbot R1, has garnered attention for its ability to match Western competitors at a lower cost. However, the app’s data storage practices, including storing information on “secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China,” have raised alarms in several countries.
The South Korean data protection agency stated that DeepSeek failed to align its privacy practices with local laws, acknowledging that improvements would take significant time.
To address these concerns, the agency recommended that the app suspend its service until it complies with South Korea’s privacy regulations. DeepSeek has agreed to this proposal, temporarily halting its download availability as of Saturday.
Though the app is no longer available for new downloads, users who have already installed it can still access its services. The commission has strongly advised users to “use the service with caution,” warning against entering personal information into the app.
The company has not yet provided a privacy policy tailored specifically for South Korea, although it has disclosed policies for the EU and other regions. Analysts have called for a clearer policy to address South Korean data security laws.
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DeepSeek’s removal follows similar actions in other countries. Italy, Australia, and the United States have also raised concerns over the app’s data security, with some blocking it on government devices.
In response, China’s foreign ministry urged countries to avoid politicizing the issue, emphasizing that Chinese companies operate in compliance with local laws.
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