DeepSeek Temporarily Removed from South Korean App Stores Amid Privacy Concerns

In a recent development from Seoul, the Chinese AI application DeepSeek has been pulled from South Korean app stores following a directive by local authorities. The removal comes as part of a comprehensive review into the app's handling of user data, raising significant concerns over privacy and compliance with domestic regulations.

Background and Stakeholder Reactions

DeepSeek, known for its R1 chatbot, has attracted attention from investors and industry experts alike, thanks to its impressive performance at a fraction of the cost compared to its Western counterparts. However, the attractive features have been met with scrutiny over its practices, particularly regarding the storage of user data on secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.

Seoul’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) revealed that the app had been taken down from local stores at 6pm (0900 GMT) on the previous Saturday. Authorities noted that while current users who have the app installed can continue to use it, the CC has advised caution. The commission explicitly recommended that users avoid entering personal details into the app until the outcome of the investigation is announced.

Concerns Over Data Collection and Privacy Policy

The PIPC criticized DeepSeek for falling short in its adherence to domestic data protection laws. The commission stated that the application would require substantial modifications to comply with local privacy standards, and the firm has acknowledged these shortcomings. Analyst Youm Heung-youl, a data security professor at Soonchunhyang University, highlighted that while DeepSeek has implemented privacy policies for European users and other regions, a tailored policy for Korean users is conspicuously absent.

Wider Implications and Global Response

This move by South Korean regulators aligns with other international actions against DeepSeek. Recently, Italian authorities investigated the R1 model, restricting its ability to process local user data. In Australia, government devices have been barred from using the app on the ground of security recommendations, and US lawmakers are considering a bill that would extend similar prohibitions to government devices. In light of these measures, the Chinese government has criticized the perceived politicization of technological trade and economic issues, insisting that it has never mandated illegal data collection practices.

Key Points:

• DeepSeek temporarily withdrawn from South Korean app stores.
• Local authorities demand an overhaul of its data handling practices to align with domestic privacy laws.
• Although current users can still access the app, experts advise caution
• International regulatory bodies in Italy, Australia, and parts of the US are also taking steps against the app.
• The Chinese government remains firm on its policy of lawful data storage.

Conclusion

The case of DeepSeek underscores a broader concern about data privacy in an era of rapid technological advancements. The ongoing review in South Korea may serve as a precedent for future regulatory decisions in other markets, emphasizing the necessity for transparent and secure data management practices in the digital age.