South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has temporarily suspended operations of the Chinese-developed AI application DeepSeek, citing potential privacy law violations. The move, effective Saturday, marks the latest clash between global tech innovation and data protection frameworks.
Yonhap News Agency reported the suspension follows a review under South Korea's strict privacy laws, which empower regulators to halt services until compliance is achieved. DeepSeek, known for its conversational AI tools, has seen rapid adoption in Asian markets since its 2023 launch.
'This decision underscores the growing scrutiny of cross-border data flows,' said privacy analyst Ji-hoon Lee, referencing recent OECD data showing a 67% increase in international data regulation actions since 2021. The suspension comes as South Korea implements new rules requiring foreign tech services to localize user data storage for residents.
While temporary, the action raises questions about balancing AI development with user rights – a challenge facing regulators worldwide. Observers note the outcome could influence how other G20 nations approach emerging tech governance, particularly for apps handling sensitive user interactions.
The PIPC confirmed service will resume once DeepSeek implements unspecified 'improvements,' with industry analysts predicting reforms around data encryption and consent protocols.
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South Korea suspends local service of AI app DeepSeek: Yonhap
cgtn.com
