DeepSeek AI Banned in Multiple Regions Over Data Risks
Multiple governments including South Korea, Australia, and India have restricted or banned the use of DeepSeek AI in government agencies, citing security concerns and risks to data confidentiality. The restrictions follow the release of DeepSeek's cost-efficient AI models and reflect broader international concerns about data security and Chinese influence over the company.
What happened
South Korea's Ministry of Industry temporarily blocked government employee access to DeepSeek due to security concerns. South Korea's state-owned nuclear and power company banned the use of AI services including DeepSeek in early 2025.
Australia banned the use of DeepSeek in all government agencies due to national security risks, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke citing potential dangers to government technology and the need to protect national security and interests.
India's Ministry of Finance instructed employees to avoid using AI tools including DeepSeek for official purposes due to risks to the confidentiality of government documents and data. South Korea's privacy watchdog said it intends to question DeepSeek about how it manages users' personal data.
Reported impact
The incidents reflect shared international concerns about data security and the potential influence of China over the artificial intelligence company. Multiple countries including South Korea, Australia, and India have restricted or warned against government use of DeepSeek.
South Korean technology companies including SK Hynix and Naver restricted employee access to generative AI services that store data outside the company. Kakao Corp asked employees to refrain from using DeepSeek one day after announcing a partnership with OpenAI, citing security concerns.
Index analysis
DeepSeek recently released new AI models that the company claims are cheaper to produce than competing Western models. The reported restrictions follow earlier warnings from Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers and ongoing US reviews of DeepSeek's national security implications.
Governance controls
South Korea's government issued guidance to ministries and organizations to exercise caution when using AI services including DeepSeek and ChatGPT in the workplace. Other countries in Europe and some other nations are reviewing DeepSeek.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.