South Korea Bans DeepSeek: South Korea has banned the AI app DeepSeek from its app stores due to concerns over data privacy. The app, which became popular after disrupting the global market, is accused of sending user data to ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok. The country’s data protection regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), confirmed that DeepSeek communicated with ByteDance. This has led to growing concerns about how DeepSeek handles its user data.
South Korea Takes Action
DeepSeek was removed from both Apple and Google’s app stores over the weekend. South Korea’s PIPC took action after an investigation revealed that the app may have violated privacy laws. The company had gained attention in January for outperforming its US competitors at a lower cost. But since then, countries have raised concerns about how DeepSeek handles data.
The app was downloaded more than a million times in South Korea before its removal. Though the app is no longer available for download, existing users can still access it through a web browser.
DeepSeek and ByteDance: The Data Sharing Allegations – South Korea Bans DeepSeek
The concerns about DeepSeek’s data-sharing practices grew in February. A cybersecurity firm, Security Scorecard, published a report suggesting that DeepSeek might be sending user data to ByteDance. The firm’s report pointed to several references to ByteDance’s services in DeepSeek’s Android app. The company found that user behavior data and device metadata were likely sent to ByteDance servers. They also identified data being sent to domains linked to Chinese state-owned entities.
The PIPC confirmed links between DeepSeek and ByteDance. However, they have not yet determined exactly what data was transferred. Despite this, the revelation has led to fears that DeepSeek might be sharing more data than previously known.
The Concerns Over China’s National Intelligence Law
One of the key issues surrounding the DeepSeek case is China’s National Intelligence Law. Critics argue that the law could force Chinese companies to share data with the government. However, ByteDance has denied any wrongdoing, stating that its ownership structure includes investors from around the world. ByteDance claims that Chinese laws do not apply to personal data or private companies operating outside China.
The controversy over data sharing with China has fueled concerns about privacy. This fear played a major role in the US Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a ban on TikTok. The court’s ruling has delayed the decision until April 5 while President Donald Trump works on finding a solution to the issue.
South Korea Joins Other Countries in Action Against DeepSeek
South Korea’s decision to ban DeepSeek from government devices has added to the growing backlash against the app. The country’s regulators have advised users to be cautious and avoid entering personal information into the chatbot. South Korea joins Australia and Taiwan, which have also banned the app from government devices due to privacy concerns.
The country’s data protection commission criticized DeepSeek for not being transparent in its privacy policy. The commission stated that the app had failed to meet South Korean privacy laws. This failure to provide clear information about third-party data transfers has led to widespread concerns about the app’s practices.
The Global Impact of DeepSeek’s Controversy
DeepSeek’s rise in popularity had been rapid, thanks to its AI model outperforming US competitors. But now, the company faces serious challenges as it struggles to clear up questions about its data practices. As privacy concerns grow, DeepSeek’s reputation may suffer in other countries as well.
The company’s troubles with data privacy highlight the growing global concern over Chinese tech companies. Governments around the world are becoming more cautious about allowing apps with links to China to operate freely. The situation with DeepSeek could lead to further investigations into other companies with similar ties.
What’s Next for DeepSeek?
As the investigation into DeepSeek’s data-sharing practices continues, the company’s future remains uncertain. The company has yet to fully address the allegations made by cybersecurity experts and South Korean regulators. The global scrutiny it faces will likely increase as more countries take action against the app.
For now, DeepSeek’s ability to regain trust will depend on how it addresses these concerns. The company must take steps to ensure transparency and comply with international data protection laws if it wants to continue operating on the global stage.
With data privacy becoming a growing concern around the world, the situation with DeepSeek is a reminder of the importance of protecting personal information. As countries continue to scrutinize tech companies, the future of apps like DeepSeek will depend on how well they handle user data and maintain privacy.
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