# **DeepSeek Under Examination Due to Privacy Issues in South Korea**
## **Introduction**
Chinese AI firm DeepSeek is facing regulatory examination in South Korea amid worries surrounding its data privacy practices. The South Korean **Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC)** has temporarily prohibited new downloads of DeepSeek’s mobile application in the country, pointing to potential breaches of South Korea’s stringent data protection regulations. This action underscores the rising global emphasis on data security and privacy, especially regarding AI-integrated applications.
## **Regulatory Measures by South Korea**
On Monday, PIPC revealed that it had halted new downloads of DeepSeek’s mobile application in South Korea. This limitation, which commenced on Saturday, does not impact individuals who already have the application installed. Furthermore, DeepSeek’s services remain available through the web.
As reported by **Reuters**, representatives from DeepSeek acknowledged that they had “partially overlooked” certain legal responsibilities under South Korea’s data protection laws. The nation is recognized for its **rigorous privacy regulations** aimed at safeguarding users from unauthorized data gathering and exploitation.
## **Concerns Regarding Privacy and Security**
PIPC’s inquiry uncovered multiple issues about how DeepSeek manages user data. **Nam Seok**, director of PIPC’s investigation department, mentioned that DeepSeek lacked clarity concerning third-party data sharing and may have amassed **excessive personal information** from users.
DeepSeek is said to have sent a representative to South Korea to tackle these concerns and strive for alignment with local laws. However, PIPC cautioned that addressing these privacy issues could require **a significant amount of time**, leaving the application’s future in South Korea in question.
## **Identified Security Risks by Experts**
Apart from regulatory issues, cybersecurity specialists have voiced concerns about DeepSeek’s security measures. **NowSecure**, a mobile security firm, recently revealed that DeepSeek’s iOS application **sends user data unencrypted** to servers in China operated by **ByteDance**, the parent company of TikTok.
Additionally, another security company found a publicly accessible database that included **DeepSeek customer chat logs and other sensitive information**. These discoveries raise substantial concerns regarding the protection of user data and the risk of data breaches.
## **Censorship and Restrictions on AI**
DeepSeek’s AI model, **DeepThink (R1)**, has also faced criticism for its censorship methods. When inquired about politically sensitive subjects such as the **Tiananmen Square massacre** or even its preferred **”Winnie the Pooh”** film, the AI reportedly declined to answer. This reflects broader worries about **censorship in Chinese AI**, where governmental constraints shape the responses produced by AI systems.
## **Conclusion**
The hurdles faced by DeepSeek in South Korea highlight the increasing scrutiny of AI applications and their adherence to **data privacy regulations**. With mounting concerns about **security risks**, **data transparency**, and **censorship**, regulatory authorities globally are expected to scrutinize AI-powered platforms more closely.
For the time being, DeepSeek must collaborate closely with South Korean regulators to **resolve privacy issues** and **improve security protocols** if it wants to restore full access to the South Korean market. This incident serves as a significant reminder of the **need for data protection** in the era of artificial intelligence.
