South Korean officials have temporarily restricted the download of DeepSeek’s AI app from app stores in the country. The decision, announced on Saturday, comes as authorities launch a thorough review of how the Chinese AI company handles personal data.
The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) confirmed that DeepSeek’s app would remain unavailable for download until it meets the stringent requirements of South Korea’s privacy laws.
This action highlights the growing concerns surrounding the collection and processing of personal data by foreign tech firms, particularly those from countries with less transparent data practices.
However, South Korean users who already have the app installed will not experience disruption in service—though they are strongly advised to refrain from entering personal information until the review is complete.
What sparked the investigation?
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company based in Hangzhou, launched its app in South Korea in late January 2025. Shortly after the launch, the PIPC reached out to DeepSeek’s headquarters to inquire about the company’s data collection and processing practices.
Their investigation uncovered concerning issues related to third-party services and the company’s privacy policies.
One of the most alarming findings was that DeepSeek had transferred South Korean users’ data to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.
This raised red flags, especially considering the increasing scrutiny over Chinese tech companies’ ties to the Chinese government and their potential impact on user privacy.
The PIPC noted that while DeepSeek had appointed a local representative in South Korea, the company admitted to not fully understanding the country’s privacy laws when it first launched its service.
In response, DeepSeek pledged to cooperate fully with South Korean authorities to address the issues.
Broader concerns and global reactions
This isn’t the first time DeepSeek has faced pushback in other countries. South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, as well as local police, had already blocked DeepSeek from official devices earlier this month due to security concerns.
Additionally, Australia has banned the use of the app on government devices, while Italy’s data protection authority has ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot service. Taiwan has similarly restricted the use of DeepSeek AI within government departments.
These actions reflect broader apprehensions over data security and privacy, especially in relation to Chinese tech companies. Governments worldwide have expressed concerns about the potential for espionage, data misuse, and violations of national privacy laws, leading to growing calls for stricter regulations on AI technologies.
South Korea’s action is not just a local issue; it serves as part of a larger global effort to establish clear frameworks for AI data governance. The country’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) is one of the most robust in the world, providing extensive protections for citizens’ data. It sets the standard for how foreign companies must handle personal data when offering services within the country.
For DeepSeek, which offers a free, open-source reasoning AI model designed to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT, compliance with these laws is crucial.
As AI systems become more integrated into daily life, ensuring that user data is handled securely and transparently is paramount. Failure to adhere to these regulations could not only harm consumers but also damage the reputation of companies in a fiercely competitive market.
Moving Forward
The PIPC has outlined plans to conduct a thorough inspection of DeepSeek’s data practices during the app’s temporary suspension. This investigation will aim to ensure compliance with South Korea’s privacy laws, with a focus on data collection, storage, and processing.
If any violations are found, the company will be required to make necessary changes before being allowed to resume its service.
In the meantime, South Korean authorities have urged existing users to exercise caution and refrain from entering personal data into the app.
This precautionary measure underscores the importance of user awareness in the digital age, as individuals must remain vigilant about how their personal information is being handled by AI systems.
As AI continues to evolve, South Korea plans to address the emerging challenges of AI governance by refining its laws and working closely with international privacy regulators.
The upcoming Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) in September 2025, which will be hosted in Seoul, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping global standards for AI data privacy.
