Summary:
- South Korea suspends new downloads of Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek over data privacy concerns, requiring compliance with local laws before reinstatement.
- Existing users retain access via devices/website despite removal from Apple/Google app stores; the app previously topped rankings with 1M+ weekly users.
- Global restrictions expand as Italy blocks DeepSeek, Taiwan/Australia ban it on government devices, and U.S. states push for federal restrictions.
- China’s foreign ministry defends data privacy standards, denying allegations of coercing companies to violate foreign regulations.
South Korea has suspended new downloads of the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek, effective Saturday evening, citing unresolved data protection risks. The country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) announced the move Monday, requiring the app to comply with local privacy laws before reinstatement.
The suspension removes DeepSeek from Apple’s App Store and Google Play in South Korea, though existing users retain access through their devices and the service’s website. The app had surged in popularity recently, topping South Korean app store rankings and amassing over one million weekly users, according to BBC reporting.
The decision follows earlier bans by South Korean government agencies prohibiting employees from installing DeepSeek on work devices. PIPC officials noted the company has since appointed local legal representatives and acknowledged compliance gaps with South Korean regulations.
Global scrutiny of DeepSeek intensifies as multiple governments impose restrictions. Italy blocked the app entirely over privacy concerns, while Taiwan and Australia barred its use on government devices. In the U.S., lawmakers advocate for a federal ban, with states including Texas, Virginia, and New York already restricting access.
Responding to mounting international pressure, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated, “Beijing prioritizes data privacy and would not compel companies to break the law.”
The suspension underscores growing tensions over data security in AI applications, particularly those developed by Chinese tech firms. Authorities emphasize the action aims to safeguard user information while balancing technological innovation.
