South Korea Bans New Users from Downloading DeepSeek

Korea's data protection authority announced on Monday that it has suspended new user downloads of the Chinese AI application DeepSeek in South Korea, as the app admitted to failing to fully comply with South Korea's personal data protection regulations. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) of South Korea stated during a press conference that once DeepSeek makes the necessary improvements according to South Korea’s national privacy laws, its services will be reinstated.

The measure, which took effect on Saturday, is aimed at curbing new downloads of the app, though DeepSeek's web-based service remains accessible in South Korea. The PIPC also revealed that last week the Chinese startup designated a legal representative in South Korea and acknowledged lapses in compliance with certain aspects of South Korea's data protection laws.

Meanwhile, Italy's data protection authority Garante had earlier last month requested that DeepSeek block its chatbot in the country due to unresolved concerns over its privacy policy.

DeepSeek has not yet responded to requests for comment. In response to previous actions by Korean authorities against DeepSeek, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry noted during a press briefing on February 6 that the Chinese government places great importance on data privacy and security, and strictly protects data security under the law. The spokesperson further emphasized that the Chinese government would never require any company or individual to collect or store data through illegal means.