South Korea’s data protection regulator has accused DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, of improperly sharing user data with ByteDance, the owner of TikTok. The country has taken action against the company, raising concerns about data security and privacy.
DeepSeek’s Link to ByteDance
The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) of South Korea confirmed that DeepSeek had communicated with ByteDance. “We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance,” the regulator told Yonhap News Agency. However, officials have yet to determine exactly what data was shared or how much.
DeepSeek, which developed an AI model that rivaled US-based ChatGPT, had quickly gained popularity worldwide. The app topped download charts in multiple countries, including the US and UK. However, its sudden rise led to increased scrutiny over its data handling practices.
South Korea Takes Action Against DeepSeek
South Korea removed DeepSeek from app stores last weekend due to privacy concerns. Before its removal, over a million South Koreans had already downloaded the app. Users who previously installed it can still access the service through a web browser.
The removal of DeepSeek from app stores follows growing fears over Chinese technology firms handling user data. Many experts worry that China’s National Intelligence Law allows the government to access private company data, raising concerns about user privacy. ByteDance has denied these claims, saying it is owned by global investors and follows strict data protection laws.
Despite these assurances, governments worldwide are taking a cautious approach. South Korea’s decision aligns with actions taken by Australia, Taiwan, and other nations, which have banned DeepSeek on government devices.
Cybersecurity Experts Sound the Alarm
Concerns over DeepSeek’s data practices were first raised by US-based cybersecurity firm Security Scorecard. On February 10, the company published a blog post detailing its findings.
Security Scorecard discovered multiple references to ByteDance services in DeepSeek’s Android app. The company warned that user behavior data and device metadata were likely being sent to ByteDance servers. It also reported that some data was transmitted to domains linked to Chinese state-owned entities.
These findings have added to global concerns about data security. In recent years, Western governments have increased scrutiny on Chinese tech firms, fearing potential data misuse.
Growing Privacy Fears and Legal Challenges
DeepSeek’s rapid rise has disrupted the global AI market. In January, reports suggested that the company’s AI model was developed at a much lower cost than US rivals like ChatGPT. This development shook the industry, leading to billions in losses for competitors.
However, its success also brought increased regulatory scrutiny. In February, a US cybersecurity firm suggested that DeepSeek was likely sharing data with ByteDance. This prompted several countries to investigate the company’s privacy policies.
Concerns over Chinese companies collecting user data have played a major role in international politics. In the US, fears about data sharing led to legal battles over TikTok. The Supreme Court upheld a ban on the app, but the decision is currently on hold until April 5. The ruling could set a precedent for how governments handle Chinese tech firms moving forward.
South Korea’s Regulator Speaks Out
South Korea’s PIPC has confirmed that DeepSeek was found transferring user data to third parties. The regulator also reported that the company lacked transparency in its privacy policy.
“Authorities advised users to exercise caution and avoid entering personal information into the chatbot,” the PIPC stated. DeepSeek has agreed to cooperate with investigators, but officials noted that the company failed to comply with South Korean privacy laws.
The country’s response reflects a larger global shift toward stricter data protection. Governments are now enforcing tougher regulations to ensure that user data remains secure.
The Future of DeepSeek
DeepSeek’s removal from South Korean app stores marks a significant setback for the company. The app had gained a massive following in a short period, but privacy concerns have damaged its reputation.
Despite this, existing users in South Korea can still access DeepSeek through web browsers. The company has not yet announced any major policy changes in response to the controversy.
As governments continue to investigate, DeepSeek could face further restrictions. If more countries take action, the company may struggle to regain trust and expand internationally.
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