South Korea’s Government Agencies Restrict Access to DeepSeek Over Security Concerns

In a recent move to safeguard national security, several South Korean government ministries have temporarily blocked access to DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence chatbot, citing potential security risks. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy issued a directive advising caution when using AI services like DeepSeek and ChatGPT within governmental operations. Following this advisory, entities such as Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the Ministry of National Defense have restricted the use of DeepSeek on their networks.

Global Concerns Over DeepSeek’s Data Practices

DeepSeek’s rapid ascent in the AI sector has not been without controversy. The chatbot’s data collection and storage policies have raised alarms internationally. Notably, the application stores user data on servers located in China, leading to apprehensions about potential unauthorized access by Chinese authorities. In response, countries like Australia and Taiwan have banned DeepSeek from government devices, emphasizing the need to protect sensitive information.

South Korea’s Proactive Measures

In light of these developments, South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission has initiated an inquiry into how DeepSeek manages user data. The commission plans to request detailed information from the company to assess compliance with domestic data protection regulations. Additionally, major South Korean tech firms, including Kakao Corp and SK Hynix, have advised their employees to exercise caution or refrain from using generative AI services like DeepSeek, citing security concerns.

Balancing Innovation and Security

While artificial intelligence offers numerous benefits, these incidents underscore the importance of balancing technological advancement with robust security measures. As AI tools become more integrated into daily operations, especially within governmental and critical infrastructure sectors, ensuring data privacy and security remains paramount. South Korea’s recent actions reflect a broader global trend of scrutinizing AI applications to protect national interests and individual privacy.