South Korea blocks downloads of DeepSeek from local app stores
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South Korea Removes DeepSeek From App Stores
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Above: Photo illustration shows screens displaying web pages of the Chinese AI DeepSeek as authorities in South Korea said on Feb. 17, 2025, that DeepSeek would not be available from local app stores pending a review of its handling of user data. Image copyright: Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
South Korea's data privacy watchdog announced Monday that downloads of the Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek's chatbot app have been suspended on major app stores since Saturday over privacy concerns, with the ban set to remain in effect until improvements are made.
Those who previously downloaded the app can still use the service, with the Korea Herald reporting that the website was still accessible on Monday afternoon. South Korea-based users have been advised to delete the app or avoid entering personal information into it.
This comes after the regulator found that DeepSeek was transferring user data to a third party — ByteDance — without explicit consent, as required by Korean law. DeepSeek has admitted to shortcomings in adhering to local domestic protection laws.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
It's well-known that Beijing requires Chinese companies operating overseas to comply with local laws and regulations at all times. And yet, some countries continue to politicize trade and technology issues involving Chinese companies as security concerns. DeepSeek's suspension in South Korea is simply unfair.
Anti-China narrative
The removal of DeepSeek's chatbot app from South Korean app stores was necessary to protect user privacy, so much so that even DeepSeek has acknowledged data protection issues. Beijing wants to paint a picture of tech issues being politicized, but Seoul has merely requested DeepSeek implement improvements to better protect data.
