South Korea's Stance on DeepSeek: A Case Study in Data Privacy and AI Regulation

South Korea's Stance on DeepSeek: A Case Study in Data Privacy and AI Regulation

South Korea's recent move to block downloads of the Chinese AI lab DeepSeek's app from local app stores has sent ripples throughout the global tech community. This temporary ban, pending a thorough assessment of DeepSeek's data handling practices, underscores the increasing scrutiny surrounding AI technologies, particularly those with ties to China. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) of South Korea took this decisive action over concerns about potential violations of the country's stringent privacy laws. While existing users can still access the app and web service, the PIPC has strongly advised against inputting any personal information until the investigation concludes. This cautionary measure reflects the seriousness with which South Korea is approaching the matter. The PIPC's investigation was triggered by DeepSeek's launch in South Korea in late January. The commission, proactively seeking to understand the company's data collecti…