South Korea Halts Downloads of Controversial Chinese AI App DeepSeek

DeepSeek, developed by a Chinese firm, has surged in popularity globally since its launch last month, but South Korean regulators have stepped in, citing concerns surrounding personal data processing. On Monday, the app became unavailable for download in both Apple and Google stores in South Korea, although users could still access it via web browsers. Authorities announced that downloads would resume once compliance with local privacy laws was confirmed. DeepSeek has quickly become one of the most downloaded AI applications worldwide, boasting capabilities that rival those of leading American products, yet at a significantly reduced cost. The app's rapid success is said to have affected U.S. tech stock values and sparked discussions about the effectiveness of American measures to limit China’s access to advanced technology. Founded by Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek's achievements have garnered attention within China, where the company is celebrated for its contributions to the tech sector. However, its international rise has prompted apprehension among regulators regarding security practices, censorship, and personal data management, leading South Korean officials to advise government employees against using the app on official devices. Other nations, including Taiwan and Australia, have also expressed similar concerns.The South Korea Personal Information Protection Commission revealed that significant issues were found in DeepSeek’s handling of personal data, indicating the need for extensive corrections. In response, DeepSeek appointed a local representative in South Korea last week to address these regulatory challenges.Meanwhile, the Chinese government has emphasized that Chinese companies are expected to adhere to local laws, urging other countries to avoid politicizing technological issues.