South Korea Suspends DeepSeek Downloads Over Data Management Concerns
South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission suspended new downloads of DeepSeek on February 15, 2025, citing concerns about the AI app's data collection and management practices. As of March 27, 2025, no timeline has been set for resumption, pending improvements to comply with local privacy laws.
What happened
South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) temporarily suspended new downloads of DeepSeek from February 15, 2025, citing concerns about the service's data collection practices.
In January 2025, the commission sent a formal inquiry to DeepSeek seeking clarification on its data collection and management methods. DeepSeek assigned a representative in South Korea late in February, after the suspension.
Reported impact
The commission stated the service will be resumed after 'improvements and remedies' are made in line with South Korea's personal information protection laws.
Index analysis
PIPC Chairperson Ko Hak-soo stated on March 27, 2025, that there is no exact timeline for resumption and that working-level officials from both sides are in talks to reach a satisfactory agreement.
DeepSeek has acknowledged shortcomings in considering local laws and expressed its will to actively cooperate with the commission.
Governance controls
DeepSeek told the government it regards South Korea as an important market and will make efforts to abide by the Personal Information Protection Act.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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