China-based AI service DeepSeek has resumed operations in South Korea after a two-month suspension due to personal data protection violations. The comeback follows a regulatory review that identified unauthorized data transfers in DeepSeek’s initial South Korean launch earlier this year. This incident highlights the growing tension between rapid AI service deployment and regional data privacy regulations, particularly as Chinese tech companies expand their global footprint.
The big picture: South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission found that DeepSeek had transferred user data and prompts without permission when it first launched in the country in January.
- The app’s downloading capability was suspended in February after these data protection concerns surfaced.
- The service has now returned to South Korean app markets including Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store as of Monday.
Key changes: DeepSeek implemented revisions to its privacy policy to align with South Korean regulations.
- The updated policy explicitly states: “We process your personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act of Korea.”
- Users now have the option to refuse the transfer of their personal information to companies in China and the United States.
Regulatory response: South Korea’s data protection agency noted that DeepSeek’s return was a voluntary decision by the company.
- The regulator indicated that DeepSeek is free to resume operations after “at least partially reflecting” the agency’s recommendations.
- DeepSeek did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment regarding the reinstatement.
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