South Korea Pauses Downloads of DeepSeek’s AI Apps Amid Privacy Concerns

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has had to pause downloads of its chatbot apps in South Korea while it addresses the authority’s privacy concerns over the app, according to officials.

South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission, Nam Seok, said DeepSeek’s apps had been removed from the country’s versions of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store over the weekend as the agency needs to strengthen the protections for users before relaunching in South Korea.

Those who have already downloaded DeepSeek in the area will still be able to use it on both phones and computers. However, the director of South Korean commission’s investigation division, has urged users in the country to delete the app and avoid providing any personal information until they have assurances over the privacy issues. Many companies have also told employees not to use the software while it has these perceived shortcomings. 

DeepSeek has already been in the headlines as its popular chatbot was released and downloaded by millions. The chatbot was developed at a fraction of the cost of ChatGPT and others according to the makers, but there have also been some controversies, including the fact that they have been accused of using other AI software to develop their own. The release of the controversial model had a huge impact on markets and led to yet more debates on the use of AI technology. 

The South Korean privacy commission has been reviewing the DeepSeek platform and according to Nam Seok, they have found there is a lack of transparency around data transfers and that the site may collect excessive personal information that is not required.