South Korea has halted new downloads of DeepSeek due to data privacy concerns. The country’s data protection authority announced that the AI app failed to comply with specific privacy regulations. This measure took effect on Saturday, preventing new installations, but its web service remains available.
The Chinese AI startup acknowledged partially neglecting South Korea’s data protection laws. To address the issue, the company recently appointed legal representatives in the country. The Personal Information Protection Commission stated that services would resume after necessary improvements.
Italy’s data watchdog also blocked DeepSeek’s chatbot last month due to privacy concerns. The regulator found that the app failed to meet Italy’s strict data protection requirements. These international restrictions highlight growing concerns over AI-driven platforms and user data security.
China’s foreign ministry responded to these developments, emphasizing its commitment to data security. A spokesperson stated that China never requires companies to collect data illegally. This statement came after reports of South Korean authorities considering additional restrictions.
DeepSeek has yet to comment on the recent suspension. However, the company faces mounting pressure to comply with global data protection standards. With privacy concerns rising, regulatory scrutiny over AI applications is expected to increase worldwide.