Chinese AI firm DeepSeek finds itself at the center of an international storm as several countries scrutinize its data privacy practices. Following advice from security agencies, Australia has banned DeepSeek from all government devices. Meanwhile, South Korea has removed DeepSeek's R1 chatbot from local app stores, pending a comprehensive review of its user data handling protocols. The app was taken down on Saturday at 6 pm (0900 GMT) and remains unavailable. Concerns about the firm's data storage practices, which reportedly involve "secure servers located in the People's Republic of China," have prompted reactions across the globe.
The Personal Information Protection Commission of Seoul stated that DeepSeek would not be available for download until a thorough review of its data collection methods is completed. This move comes after the company acknowledged the need for better compliance with domestic privacy laws, as reported by Seoul's data protection agency. DeepSeek has agreed to establish a privacy policy specifically tailored for Korea, indicating some level of cooperation with local authorities.
The issue of data privacy extends beyond South Korea and Australia. Italy has launched an investigation into DeepSeek's R1 model and blocked it from processing Italian users' data. In the United States, lawmakers have proposed legislation to prohibit DeepSeek on government devices, citing security concerns over user data. Despite these challenges, DeepSeek's R1 chatbot continues to impress industry observers with its cost-effective capabilities, rivaling those of Western counterparts.
South Korea's actions reflect broader skepticism about DeepSeek's storage of user data. Several government ministries and police departments in South Korea have blocked access to the application on their computers. The Chinese government, however, opposes what it perceives as the "politicisation of economic, trade and technological issues," standing firm against external pressures.
"Deepseek needs to establish a privacy policy specific to Korea," – Youm, a data security professor at Soonchunhyang University.
"It has on the other hand disclosed a privacy policy for the EU and certain other countries, stating that it complies with the domestic laws of those nations," – Youm, a data security professor at Soonchunhyang University.
Despite mounting international pressure, DeepSeek remains operational for existing users who have already downloaded the app. The company insists that user data is stored securely in China, yet this assurance has done little to quell global apprehensions.
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