South Korea Bans Downloads of China’s DeepSeek AI Chatbot

South Korea has banned new downloads of China’s DeepSeek AI chatbot due to concerns about privacy and national security. The app had rapidly risen in popularity, prompting scrutiny from various jurisdictions. While new downloads are prohibited, existing users can still access the app.

South Korea has implemented a ban on new downloads of China’s DeepSeek AI chatbot, as announced by the country’s personal data protection authority. This decision was made after the app gained significant traction in South Korea, surging to the top of app stores with over one million weekly users. The government stated that DeepSeek will be reinstated for South Korean users once necessary adjustments are made to ensure compliance with national data protection regulations.

DeepSeek’s swift rise to popularity raised alarms globally regarding privacy and national security issues, prompting several countries to impose restrictions on the application. Following the ban, the app’s availability was halted on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, coinciding with the prohibitions placed on government employees from downloading DeepSeek onto their work devices.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed concerns regarding DeepSeek, referring to it as a “shock” that could influence various industries within the country. While new downloads have been suspended, existing users may continue to access the app or use its website without interruption. Additionally, the chatbot’s global influence has led to restrictions in places such as Taiwan and Australia, with similar legislative proposals emerging in the United States concerning federal devices.

DeepSeek’s advanced large language model (LLM) demonstrates reasoning capabilities that rival those of American competitors, such as OpenAI. However, its operation reportedly incurs significantly lower costs, raising questions about the substantial investments made in AI infrastructure by the United States and other nations. The implications of DeepSeek’s rise and the consequent legislative responses underscore an ongoing global debate over technological advancements and regulatory practices.

In conclusion, South Korea’s ban on new downloads of DeepSeek highlights growing global concerns over privacy and national security related to AI applications. The swift popularity of the chatbot has raised alarms, not only in South Korea but also in other countries, prompting governmental actions to mitigate risks. The situation exemplifies the complex interplay between technological innovation and regulatory frameworks in managing emerging technologies. While existing users can still access DeepSeek, its future availability remains contingent upon compliance with South Korean data laws.

Original Source: www.bbc.com