The South Korean government has enacted a ban on new downloads of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, raising issues of data protection and user privacy amidst its rapid success.
South Korea Halts Downloads of Controversial Chinese AI App DeepSeek
South Korea Halts Downloads of Controversial Chinese AI App DeepSeek
Regulators act to temporarily suspend the emerging AI chatbot over data protection concerns while it climbs global download charts.
The South Korean government announced on Monday the temporary suspension of downloads for DeepSeek, a highly popular artificial intelligence chatbot developed by a Chinese firm. This decision follows major concerns over data protection compliance, as regulators stated they would revisit the app after assessing its conformity with the country's laws.
Since its recent release, DeepSeek has surged to the top of app store charts globally, becoming a significant player in the AI sector. However, as of Monday night, the app was removed from both Apple and Google app stores in South Korea, although users could still access the app through web browsers. The Personal Information Protection Commission of South Korea highlighted issues regarding DeepSeek’s processing of personal information, indicating that rectifying these problems would take considerable time.
DeepSeek, which boasts advanced AI capabilities on par with established American counterparts, has drawn scrutiny due to suspicions about its security, censorship practices, and management of sensitive data. The app’s inexplicable rise has not only unsettled tech giants but has also prompted heightened scrutiny from regulatory bodies in multiple countries. Earlier this month, the South Korean government advised its employees against using DeepSeek products on official devices, echoing similar directives from government agencies in Taiwan and Australia.
The app's success has been a point of pride within China, where DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, met with high-ranking officials, including President Xi Jinping. The Chinese company claims to have achieved groundbreaking AI performance with a significantly reduced number of expensive computer chips, a statement which has caused a stir in U.S. tech markets. This development has sparked debates in the U.S. about the effectiveness of efforts to curb China's access to cutting-edge technology.
In response to concerns voiced by foreign governments, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry emphasized that Chinese firms are obliged to adhere to local laws during international operations, calling for restraint from other nations in politicizing trade and technology issues. As the investigation into DeepSeek continues, its future in international markets remains uncertain.
Since its recent release, DeepSeek has surged to the top of app store charts globally, becoming a significant player in the AI sector. However, as of Monday night, the app was removed from both Apple and Google app stores in South Korea, although users could still access the app through web browsers. The Personal Information Protection Commission of South Korea highlighted issues regarding DeepSeek’s processing of personal information, indicating that rectifying these problems would take considerable time.
DeepSeek, which boasts advanced AI capabilities on par with established American counterparts, has drawn scrutiny due to suspicions about its security, censorship practices, and management of sensitive data. The app’s inexplicable rise has not only unsettled tech giants but has also prompted heightened scrutiny from regulatory bodies in multiple countries. Earlier this month, the South Korean government advised its employees against using DeepSeek products on official devices, echoing similar directives from government agencies in Taiwan and Australia.
The app's success has been a point of pride within China, where DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, met with high-ranking officials, including President Xi Jinping. The Chinese company claims to have achieved groundbreaking AI performance with a significantly reduced number of expensive computer chips, a statement which has caused a stir in U.S. tech markets. This development has sparked debates in the U.S. about the effectiveness of efforts to curb China's access to cutting-edge technology.
In response to concerns voiced by foreign governments, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry emphasized that Chinese firms are obliged to adhere to local laws during international operations, calling for restraint from other nations in politicizing trade and technology issues. As the investigation into DeepSeek continues, its future in international markets remains uncertain.
