South Korea banned the DeepSeek AI chatbot because it sent user data abroad without permission. The country's Personal Information Protection Commission found the company transferred private information to businesses in China and America. This happened right after DeepSeek launched its service in January. Officials completely blocked the AI tool in February 2025 following these discoveries.
The commission said DeepSeek admitted it broke privacy rules. The AI startup sent both personal details and user conversations to Beijing Volcano Engine Technology. These transfers included information about people's networks, devices, and apps. DeepSeek claimed these data moves aimed to make the service work better for users. The company stopped sending AI conversations on April 10 to try to fix the problem.
Chinese officials denied asking companies to gather user data illegally. They stated their government never requests AI firms to collect or store private information against the law. South Korean authorities remain unconvinced as the service remains blocked in their country. The chatbot might return if DeepSeek explains more clearly what happens to user information after it leaves Korea.
The situation shows growing worries about AI services moving personal data across borders. Many countries have started watching these tools more carefully as they become popular. Users often don't know that their conversations with AI might travel to other countries. Better transparency about data handling could help companies like DeepSeek operate in more places around the world.
The commission said DeepSeek admitted it broke privacy rules. The AI startup sent both personal details and user conversations to Beijing Volcano Engine Technology. These transfers included information about people's networks, devices, and apps. DeepSeek claimed these data moves aimed to make the service work better for users. The company stopped sending AI conversations on April 10 to try to fix the problem.
Chinese officials denied asking companies to gather user data illegally. They stated their government never requests AI firms to collect or store private information against the law. South Korean authorities remain unconvinced as the service remains blocked in their country. The chatbot might return if DeepSeek explains more clearly what happens to user information after it leaves Korea.
The situation shows growing worries about AI services moving personal data across borders. Many countries have started watching these tools more carefully as they become popular. Users often don't know that their conversations with AI might travel to other countries. Better transparency about data handling could help companies like DeepSeek operate in more places around the world.
