DeepSeek Apps Suspended in South Korea Until They Comply with Data Protection Regulations

• Downloading DeepSeek was blocked in South Korea over user data privacy concerns.
• The service is scheduled to resume after improvements and supplements are made to comply with the Protection Act.
• Meanwhile, existing users are advised to refrain from feeding DeepSeek personal data.

DeepSeek has been temporarily suspended in South Korea on Saturday, February 15. While new downloads of the apps are suspended for implementing compliance changes to its mobile versions, the web-based service remains accessible.

The suspension of the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot follows a recommendation by the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) to address identified shortcomings in compliance with the domestic Personal Information Protection Act (Protection Act).  

A rapid inspection will evaluate whether DeepSeek adheres to its legal obligations under the Protection Act. The investigation aims to resolve concerns over potential personal information breaches.  

DeepSeek will undertake structural adjustments to align its personal information processing mechanisms with domestic legal standards. Also, the Commission plans to introduce guidelines in the form of a checklist to advise overseas AI developers on the crucial steps required when launching services domestically.

DeepSeek officially launched globally on January 31, shortly thereafter drawing scrutiny from the PIPC over concerns about collecting and processing personal data. The Commission began an immediate investigation, sending inquiries to DeepSeek headquarters and conducting its own analysis of the app's functionality.  

This investigation uncovered deficiencies in both third-party data-sharing practices and communication functions linked to personal information processing. 

Last week, DeepSeek announced the appointment of a domestic agent and acknowledged that its failure to fully account for domestic data protection laws during its global rollout was an oversight. 

The Commission aims to formalize agreements at the upcoming Global Privacy Assembly (GPA), which will convene in Seoul this September. The GPA, comprising 148 organizations across 95 countries, represents the world's largest collective of data regulators.