Hyundai Motor Group blocks DeepSeek access over data security concerns
Hyundai Motor Group restricted employee access to DeepSeek, a Chinese generative AI service, citing information security and data privacy risks. The restriction extends across the conglomerate's major units and follows similar blocks by South Korean government agencies.
What happened
Hyundai Motor Group restricted its employees from accessing DeepSeek, a Chinese generative AI service, according to sources on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. issued an internal notice on Wednesday informing employees at their headquarters in Seoul that access to DeepSeek would be blocked due to information security risks. The ban extends to other Hyundai Motor Group units including Hyundai Mobis Co., Hyundai Wia Co. and Hyundai Glovis Co., with plans to implement the same restrictions at overseas operations in the near future.
Reported impact
The measure follows similar actions taken by South Korea's government agencies and other businesses amid growing concerns over data privacy risks surrounding the Chinese AI service.
Index analysis
Intelligence authorities asked for caution in using DeepSeek, as its personal information collection system is not yet clearly known, according to ministry officials.
Governance controls
Hyundai Motor Group implemented a block on employee access to DeepSeek across its major operating units in response to information security risks.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.