South Korea Orders Removal of DeepSeek AI Chatbot over Privacy Concerns
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean authorities have ordered the removal of Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek’s chatbot from local app stores while they investigate how the company handles user data.
The move follows concerns raised by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) about DeepSeek’s compliance with South Korean privacy laws. The investigation will "thoroughly examine DeepSeek’s personal information processing practices to ensure they are in line with" the law, said Choi Jang-hyuk, vice-chairperson of the KCC, at a press conference on Monday.
Global Privacy Concerns
South Korea is among several countries, including Italy and France, that have expressed concerns about DeepSeek’s privacy practices since the chatbot’s high-profile launch last month. The Chinese conversational AI has impressed with its ability to rival its American counterparts at a lower cost.
In late January, the KCC requested an explanation from DeepSeek regarding its handling of user-provided information. Since then, the Chinese company has "acknowledged certain shortcomings" in its privacy compliance, the KCC said Monday.
App Store Removal
The KCC emphasized that rectifying the situation would "inevitably take some time," prompting the decision to remove the app from app stores. The chatbot has been unavailable for download since Saturday evening, but continues to function for existing users.
The KCC urged users of the DeepSeek chatbot to "use the service with caution until the final results (of the ongoing review) are released, including refraining from inputting their personal information."
Background and Implications
DeepSeek’s chatbot, Similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has gained significant traction for its impressive language generation and conversational abilities. However, concerns have been raised about the security and privacy of user data collected by the AI-powered chatbot.
The KCC’s investigation is part of a broader international effort to address privacy concerns surrounding AI chatbots. Governments and regulators are seeking to ensure that these technologies are developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner.
The removal of DeepSeek’s chatbot from South Korean app stores serves as a reminder of the importance of privacy and data protection in the digital age. It also highlights the growing scrutiny of AI technologies and the need for companies to prioritize user privacy.
Additional Information
- The Korea Communications Commission is responsible for regulating the telecommunications, broadcasting, and internet industries in South Korea.
- DeepSeek is a Chinese AI startup founded in 2021.
- The investigation into DeepSeek’s privacy practices is ongoing.
