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In a significant move raising global concerns about data privacy, South Korea’s data protection regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), confirmed that the AI app DeepSeek had shared user data with ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of the popular social media platform TikTok. This revelation has led to the removal of DeepSeek from app stores in South Korea, adding fuel to growing fears about potential data security risks linked to Chinese technology companies.

DeepSeek and ByteDance: Data Sharing Allegations

The PIPC’s findings come after an investigation into DeepSeek’s data-sharing practices. According to Yonhap News Agency, the regulatory body discovered links between DeepSeek and ByteDance, raising suspicions about the flow of user data between the two companies. While PIPC has not yet disclosed the specifics of the data transferred or the extent of the relationship, the news has already sparked significant backlash from both local and international governments.

The app, which made headlines in January for its cutting-edge AI model, was initially praised for its ability to train models at a fraction of the cost of competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, the potential privacy implications of its technology have now overshadowed its initial success.

Global Privacy Concerns and Increased Scrutiny

The controversy surrounding DeepSeek and ByteDance is not limited to South Korea. The app made waves in the global AI market after it launched, climbing to the top of the App Store rankings in the UK, US, and other countries. However, the app’s popularity quickly waned, and it fell behind ChatGPT in rankings in the UK. In South Korea, DeepSeek amassed over a million downloads before its removal from both the Apple and Google app stores on Saturday night.

Despite the removal from official stores, existing users can still access DeepSeek through a web browser. This continued access raises concerns about whether the app can still collect and share user data without proper oversight or regulation.

The PIPC’s actions come after a series of cybersecurity warnings about DeepSeek. In early February, a US-based cybersecurity firm, Security Scorecard, raised alarms about the app’s connection to ByteDance. The firm’s analysis of DeepSeek’s Android app revealed multiple references to ByteDance-owned services, indicating that DeepSeek’s infrastructure may be closely tied to ByteDance’s systems.

The firm also warned that the app likely transmits user behavior data and device metadata to ByteDance servers. In its blog post, Security Scorecard highlighted that some of the data appeared to be sent to domains associated with Chinese state-owned entities, raising concerns about Chinese government access to the information.

South Korea’s Response and the Broader Global Context

Following the discovery of the data sharing, South Korea’s PIPC took swift action to remove DeepSeek from app stores, citing violations of privacy laws. The PIPC also issued a warning to users, urging them to avoid entering personal information into the app. The agency pointed out that DeepSeek had not been transparent about its data-sharing practices and had failed to meet South Korea’s stringent privacy standards.

This decision follows similar actions taken by other countries, such as Australia and Taiwan, which also banned DeepSeek from government devices. These moves reflect the growing global concern about the potential misuse of personal data by Chinese tech companies and their links to the Chinese government.

The South Korean government’s decision to ban DeepSeek is not an isolated case. In the past, several countries, including the US, have expressed concern about data security issues related to Chinese companies. These concerns are particularly heightened due to China’s National Intelligence Law, which mandates that Chinese companies must cooperate with government intelligence operations. Critics argue that this law could force companies like ByteDance to hand over user data to the Chinese government, raising serious concerns about privacy and national security.

TikTok’s Role in the Debate Over Chinese Data Access

The controversy surrounding DeepSeek and ByteDance is part of a larger debate about the security of Chinese-owned apps, with TikTok being one of the most prominent examples. The US has been at the forefront of efforts to ban TikTok over concerns about its potential for data harvesting and the possibility of Chinese government access to user data. These concerns led to the US Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a TikTok ban, though the ban has been paused until April 5, 2025, while former President Donald Trump negotiates a resolution.

DeepSeek’s ties to ByteDance have now brought these concerns to the forefront once again. As countries around the world grapple with how to handle the rising influence of Chinese tech companies, the issue of data privacy and government access remains a key point of contention.

The Role of Global Regulators

The growing global scrutiny of DeepSeek and ByteDance highlights the increasing role of regulators in shaping the future of data privacy. As more countries take action against Chinese tech companies, it is clear that international cooperation and transparency will be essential in addressing these concerns. While governments have taken steps to protect their citizens’ data, the lack of clear global standards on data privacy makes it difficult to create a unified approach to tackling the issue.

In South Korea, the PIPC’s investigation into DeepSeek is just one example of how regulators are working to ensure that tech companies comply with local privacy laws. However, the broader issue of data security requires cooperation between governments, tech companies, and independent experts to ensure that user data is handled safely and responsibly.

What’s Next for DeepSeek?

As the investigation into DeepSeek continues, it remains unclear how the app will adapt to the growing pressure from regulators. The company has already admitted that it failed to comply with South Korean privacy laws, and it has been cooperating with authorities to address the issues raised. However, with growing concerns about the app’s data-sharing practices, DeepSeek may face further regulatory hurdles in other countries.

For now, the app remains banned from government devices in South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan, and it faces increasing scrutiny in other regions as well. It remains to be seen how DeepSeek will navigate the complex landscape of data privacy regulations, and whether it can regain the trust of users and regulators alike.

For more updates on this story and other privacy-related news, visit Financial Mirror.