South Korea Joins Italy in Banning DeepSeek Over Data Privacy Concerns

In a significant move regarding data privacy, the South Korean government has imposed a ban on the Chinese AI application DeepSeek due to serious concerns over data collection practices. This decision, reported by Yonhap News Agency, was announced by the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) of South Korea. The ban, which was enacted over the weekend, will remain in effect until the company implements necessary improvements and compliance measures to align with South Korean data protection laws.

Prior to South Korea's decision, several ministries and government agencies had already restricted access to DeepSeek, citing similar worries about its data gathering capabilities. The restrictions underscore a growing trend among nations to scrutinize foreign technology amid fears of potential data misuse.

South Korea's concerns are mirrored by actions taken in Italy, which previously imposed similar restrictions on DeepSeek. In Germany, authorities and cybersecurity experts have also raised alarms regarding the application. Criticism has been directed at DeepSeek's extensive user data retention policies, as well as the potential for the application to be manipulated for criminal activities. There are additional worries about the Chinese government's possible access to user data, leading to further skepticism about the app's safety.

The PIPC in South Korea had reached out to DeepSeek in January, seeking clarification on the data collection and storage methodologies employed by the application. According to reports, the application claims to collect 'keystroke patterns or rhythms' to identify users, which raises significant security concerns. There is apprehension that keystrokes might be intercepted within the app before being sent, making it a potential security risk, particularly in sensitive contexts.

As the global landscape for technology and data privacy continues to evolve, the scrutiny of applications like DeepSeek illustrates a broader trend of nations prioritizing the safeguarding of personal data. Regulatory bodies are increasingly vigilant about ensuring compliance with domestic data protection laws, especially concerning foreign technology providers.

This ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between technology, privacy, and national security. As DeepSeek moves forward, it will be crucial for the company to address these concerns to regain access to markets that are critical for its operations.