South Korea Removes DeepSeek from App Stores Over Privacy Concerns

South Korea suspends DeepSeek AI chatbot over privacy concerns, joining global scrutiny on data protection and security risks

South Korea has suspended new downloads of the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek due to privacy concerns, according to the country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC). The app has been removed from Apple’s App Store and Google Play, with authorities stating that it will remain unavailable until the necessary data protection improvements are made.

DeepSeek, which gained worldwide attention in recent weeks, quickly became a sensation in South Korea, amassing over a million weekly users. However, its rapid rise also led to increased scrutiny from multiple governments, many of which have introduced restrictions due to concerns over privacy and national security.

The suspension follows decisions by several South Korean government agencies to ban employees from downloading DeepSeek on their work devices. Acting President Choi Sang-mok described the chatbot as a "shock" that could have broad implications for industries beyond AI.

Despite the app store ban, existing users can continue accessing DeepSeek on their devices or through its website.

Global Concerns and Restrictions

DeepSeek has been making waves in the technology industry, challenging U.S. dominance in AI development. The app's success has sparked security concerns, leading to bans in multiple jurisdictions.

Aside from South Korea, Taiwan and Australia have prohibited government employees from using DeepSeek. The Australian government clarified that its ban was based on security risks rather than the app’s Chinese origins. Similarly, Italy’s data regulator, which previously restricted ChatGPT in 2023, has temporarily banned DeepSeek, demanding revisions to its privacy policy.

French and Irish data protection authorities have also inquired about DeepSeek’s data handling practices, particularly regarding whether user information is stored on Chinese servers, as indicated in the app’s privacy policy. Like other AI tools, DeepSeek reportedly collects user input, including email addresses and birth dates, to refine its model.

U.S. and Industry Impact

In the United States, lawmakers have proposed a bill to prohibit DeepSeek on federal devices, citing surveillance concerns. States including Texas, Virginia, and New York have already enacted such bans for their employees.

DeepSeek’s "large language model" (LLM) has been compared to leading U.S. AI models, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, but reportedly operates at a significantly lower cost. This has raised questions about the billions of dollars invested in AI development in the U.S. and other countries.

As DeepSeek continues to disrupt the AI landscape, its future in global markets will depend on how it addresses these privacy and security concerns.