South Korea has moved to shut down the artificial intelligence (AI) app DeepSeek, citing data privacy concerns tied to its links with Chinese tech giant ByteDance. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said the app would be removed from Google Play and Apple's App Store at 6 pm local time on February 15, 2025.
An investigation by the PIPC found that user information had been accessed by ByteDance, though the extent of data transfers remains unclear. Under South Korean law, apps must disclose when they share user messages with third parties, a rule DeepSeek failed to follow. Authorities urged the company to suspend services and implement corrective measures. DeepSeek agreed to halt operations and pledged to overhaul its platform to comply with local regulations.
The South Korean move marks the first time DeepSeek has voluntarily taken action to curb its services amid mounting international scrutiny. The company appointed a local agent in South Korea on February 10 and announced on February 14 that it would fully cooperate with regulators.
Global crackdown intensifies
The South Korean ban adds to growing global restrictions on DeepSeek. Italy's data protection authority blocked the app in January, citing a lack of transparency on data collection. Australia followed suit, banning DeepSeek from government systems over national security risks. Taiwan's digital ministry has advised public agencies against using the app, flagging cybersecurity concerns.
In the US, federal agencies including NASA and the Navy have barred DeepSeek from government-issued devices. Lawmakers are considering a bill to expand the ban across all federal systems.
With regulatory scrutiny mounting, DeepSeek faces intensifying pressure to address security concerns or risk further market bans. The company has yet to unveil a clear global strategy to counter the restrictions, leaving its future in limbo.
