DeepSeek AI app raises privacy concerns in South Korea, triggering ban and removal

The rise of Chinese AI company DeepSeek has been marked by both technological achievements and regulatory challenges, particularly regarding data privacy concerns. In early 2025, South Korea became the latest country to take action against the company’s mobile app, following Italy’s earlier ban.

Key Development: South Korea’s data protection authority has ordered Apple and Google to block downloads of the DeepSeek app, citing non-compliance with local data protection laws.

• The ban specifically targets the mobile app while leaving web browser access temporarily available
• DeepSeek has appointed legal representatives in South Korea and acknowledged partial neglect of the country’s data protection requirements
• The company can resume operations once it implements changes to comply with South Korean privacy laws

Technical Context: DeepSeek’s AI model “R1” has gained attention in the tech industry for its efficient performance capabilities.

• The model achieves comparable results to competing AI systems while requiring significantly less computational resources
• DeepSeek reached the #1 position in the US App Store rankings in early 2025, surpassing ChatGPT
• The app currently maintains its position as the 13th most downloaded application

International Response: The South Korean ban represents growing global scrutiny of Chinese AI applications.

• Italy previously implemented a ban on DeepSeek citing privacy concerns
• A US senator has proposed legislation to impose fines on users of Chinese AI services
• China’s Foreign Ministry has defended its approach to data privacy, stating that it protects user information “in accordance with the law”
• Apple CEO Tim Cook has publicly praised DeepSeek, despite mounting controversy over its Chinese origins

Looking Beyond the Ban: The South Korean decision highlights the growing tension between technological innovation and national security concerns, particularly regarding AI applications developed by Chinese companies.