- South Korea’s spy agency warns government agencies about DeepSeek’s excessive data collection.
- DeepSeek allegedly tracks keyboard input patterns and transfers data to Chinese servers.
- South Korean ministries have blocked the app, joining Australia and Taiwan in imposing restrictions.
- The app provides different responses to sensitive questions based on language settings.
- Chinese officials deny allegations, stating the government upholds data privacy laws.
SEOUL, February 10, 2025 – South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has raised concerns about the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, citing serious data privacy risks. The agency claims the app collects personal data excessively and stores user information on Chinese servers, making it vulnerable to government access. As a precaution, several South Korean government ministries have blocked access to the app.
According to the NIS, DeepSeek differs from other AI services because it transfers chat records and collects keyboard input patterns. The agency warned that these features could compromise national security, urging all government offices to take necessary precautions.
South Korea Blocks DeepSeek
Following the NIS’s warning, South Korean government ministries have started restricting access to DeepSeek. Australia and Taiwan have also issued warnings or placed similar restrictions on the app. The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, responsible for overseeing digital security, has advised users to avoid AI applications that lack transparency in their data handling processes.
The intelligence agency highlighted that under Chinese law, the government could access data stored on servers in China. The NIS further claimed that DeepSeek provides advertisers with unrestricted access to user data, increasing security risks. This has led to heightened concerns regarding the potential misuse of personal and government-related data.
In response, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson denied any unlawful data collection. The spokesperson emphasized that China prioritizes data privacy and does not compel companies to store or collect information unlawfully. However, cybersecurity experts argue that China’s existing regulations allow government authorities to access user data upon request.
DeepSeek’s Controversial Responses
The NIS has also pointed out that DeepSeek manipulates responses based on language settings. For instance, when asked about the origin of kimchi in Korean, the app stated it is a Korean dish. However, when asked the same question in Chinese, DeepSeek claimed kimchi originated in China.
This discrepancy fuels ongoing tensions between South Korea and China over cultural heritage claims. The dispute over kimchi has previously sparked heated debates on social media between users from both countries. South Korean officials view this as a deliberate attempt to distort historical facts and influence public perception.
Additionally, DeepSeek has been accused of censoring political topics. When questioned about the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, the app reportedly redirected users with responses like, “Let’s talk about something else.” This behavior has raised further concerns about the app’s control over information and potential bias in AI-generated content.
International Response to DeepSeek’s Alleged Privacy Issues
Governments worldwide are increasingly scrutinizing AI applications for data security risks. South Korea’s move to block DeepSeek aligns with actions taken by other countries, including Australia and Taiwan. Both nations have warned their citizens about using AI platforms that could expose sensitive information to foreign entities.
In the European Union, regulators have introduced stricter data protection laws under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). AI applications like DeepSeek that collect and store personal information without user consent could face legal consequences in these jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the United States is also considering tighter regulations on AI and data privacy to address growing concerns about foreign surveillance.
The growing distrust toward DeepSeek highlights broader concerns over AI governance and data privacy. Many governments are now considering stricter regulations for AI platforms handling user information. Cybersecurity analysts warn that without proper oversight, AI-driven applications could pose a significant threat to national security and individual privacy.
China’s Response to DeepSeek’s Restrictions
China has rejected claims that DeepSeek poses a security threat. The Chinese foreign ministry insists that the government does not require companies to store or collect data in violation of international laws. Officials argue that South Korea’s actions are politically motivated and based on misinformation.
Despite this assurance, concerns remain regarding China’s cybersecurity regulations, which grant authorities access to data stored within the country. Critics argue that these laws could be exploited to monitor foreign users. Past incidents involving Chinese technology firms facing scrutiny over data security have contributed to these suspicions.
Meanwhile, Chinese tech companies continue expanding their AI services globally, raising further questions about how they handle user data. DeepSeek’s case has reignited debates over whether AI companies should be subjected to international regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Future of AI and Data Privacy
As AI applications become more advanced, global concerns over data privacy continue to rise. The DeepSeek controversy underscores the importance of regulating AI platforms to protect user data. While China maintains that its laws safeguard privacy, countries like South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan remain cautious.
The ongoing scrutiny of DeepSeek reflects a larger debate on AI governance, data security, and national interests. As governments navigate these challenges, users must stay informed about potential risks associated with AI-driven applications. Increased international collaboration on AI regulations may be necessary to address these concerns effectively.