South Korea has temporarily suspended downloads of DeepSeek’s AI apps amid escalating concerns about data privacy practices. The Chinese AI startup agreed to collaborate with regulators to address allegations of excessive data collection and insufficient transparency, marking a significant setback for its global expansion.
South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission confirmed DeepSeek’s removal from Apple’s App Store and Google Play on Saturday. Third-party data transfers and excessive personal information collection were identified as key issues during the agency’s month-long review. ‘DeepSeek must implement stricter safeguards before relaunching,’ stated Nam Seok, director of the commission’s investigation division.
‘We advise current users to delete the app or avoid sharing personal data until compliance is verified.’ — Nam Seok, South Korean Privacy Commission
Approximately 1.2 million South Korean smartphone users accessed DeepSeek in late January, according to Wiseapp Retail. Despite its popularity as South Korea’s second-most-used AI tool after ChatGPT, government agencies and private firms are now restricting access:
- Corporate networks blocking DeepSeek
- Employees prohibited from workplace use
- Ongoing audit of data handling protocols
This regulatory action highlights growing global scrutiny of AI systems processing sensitive information. Unlike the EU’s GDPR framework, South Korea’s approach emphasizes preemptive app store removals for non-compliant services. DeepSeek’s existing users face minimal disruption—the suspension only affects new downloads—but experts warn incomplete deletions could leave residual data vulnerable.
As AI adoption accelerates, this case underscores the tension between rapid innovation and cross-border data governance. Analysts predict: Rising demand for localized AI models adhering to regional privacy laws. Increased audits of third-party data partnerships. Tighter restrictions on AI tools in government workflows.
DeepSeek has not disclosed a timeline for resolving the compliance issues. With South Korea serving as a testing ground for Asia’s AI policies, the outcome could influence regulatory strategies worldwide.