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South Korea has suspended new downloads of Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek due to concerns over data protection regulations and privacy violations. The move comes after the company's recent appointment of a local representative and security vulnerabilities were discovered in its Android and iOS apps.
South Korea has suspended new downloads of DeepSeek AI chatbot until necessary changes are made to comply with data protection regulations. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) found shortcomings in communication functions and personal information processing policies with third-party service providers. Congress has advised existing users to exercise caution while using DeepSeek, particularly with regards to entering personal information into the app until further notice. The incident highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and stringent data protection policies in the world of AI. Security vulnerabilities discovered in DeepSeek's Android and iOS apps underscore the importance of robust testing and validation procedures.
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, with China's latest foray into the realm of AI-powered chatbots, DeepSeek, garnering attention worldwide. However, this latest entrant into the AI fray finds itself ensnared in a web of controversy and concern, as South Korea has formally suspended new downloads of DeepSeek until the service makes necessary changes to its mobile apps to comply with data protection regulations.
In a move that is being closely watched by experts and consumers alike, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) announced on February 15, 2025, that it had commenced an analysis of DeepSeek right after its launch. The agency's findings revealed some shortcomings in communication functions and personal information processing policies with third-party service providers. In light of these discoveries, PIPC decided to temporarily suspend new downloads of the AI chatbot until the necessary improvements are implemented.
This move comes at a time when concerns over data protection and privacy have been growing steadily, particularly in the realm of AI-powered services. With the recent appointment of a local representative by DeepSeek, the company acknowledged that it had failed to take into consideration domestic privacy laws when launching its service. The PIPC's actions serve as a stark reminder of the need for stringent regulations and oversight in the burgeoning world of AI.
In order to mitigate potential risks associated with the AI chatbot, the agency has advised existing users to exercise caution while using DeepSeek, particularly with regards to entering personal information into the app until further notice. This temporary suspension restricts new downloads from the app market, thereby limiting the potential scope for harm.
It is worth noting that Beijing's stance on internet companies operating within the country has been clarified in recent times. According to the Chinese government, it allows such entities to operate as long as they adhere to local laws and regulations. However, this stance does not extend to the collection or storage of personal data in contravention of these laws.
The incident surrounding DeepSeek also serves as a reminder of the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures and stringent data protection policies in the world of AI. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it is imperative that regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders work together to establish clear guidelines and standards that ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI-powered services.
Furthermore, the recent security vulnerabilities discovered in DeepSeek's Android and iOS apps have further underscored the importance of robust testing and validation procedures. The fact that these weaknesses allowed certain data to be sent to the app's servers in unencrypted format highlights the need for improved security protocols and the importance of prioritizing data protection at every stage of AI development.
In conclusion, the suspension of new DeepSeek downloads by South Korea serves as a stark warning to the world of AI. As AI-powered services continue to gain traction, it is essential that regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders prioritize data protection and cybersecurity above all else. By doing so, we can ensure that these powerful technologies are developed and deployed in ways that safeguard individual privacy and security.
Related Information:
https://thehackernews.com/2025/02/south-korea-suspends-deepseek-ai.html
Published: Mon Feb 17 08:05:07 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
