17

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, was removed from South Korea’s app stores due to concerns over how it handles user data. The country’s personal data protection agency confirmed the ban. New users cannot download the app until it complies with South Korea’s data protection laws.

DeepSeek’s Rise to Popularity

DeepSeek gained fast popularity worldwide, especially in South Korea. It quickly topped the app charts and gained over a million users weekly. However, its fast growth led to scrutiny. Governments raised concerns about how the app collects and uses personal data.

South Korea Takes Action

The Personal Information Protection Commission of South Korea removed DeepSeek from Apple’s App Store and Google Play on Saturday evening. This action came after government agencies banned the app from work devices. South Korean officials said the app will be allowed back only after it makes changes to protect user data.

Officials emphasized that “improvements and remedies” are necessary before the app can return. South Korea is serious about protecting its citizens’ data. The removal of DeepSeek is a step toward ensuring privacy for its users.

Global Concerns About DeepSeek

South Korea is not alone in questioning DeepSeek’s data practices. Taiwan and Australia also prohibited the app from being used on government devices. Italy, which briefly banned ChatGPT in 2023, has now blocked DeepSeek as well. Italy’s regulators are demanding privacy policy changes before the app can return to stores.

In the United States, lawmakers are pushing for a bill to ban DeepSeek on federal devices. States like Texas, Virginia, and New York have already banned the app on work devices.

Despite these bans, users who already have DeepSeek on their phones can still use it. However, new users cannot download the app at this time. DeepSeek has not officially responded to the bans, but it is expected to make changes to meet privacy regulations.

Why Is DeepSeek So Popular?

One reason DeepSeek is so popular is its powerful artificial intelligence. Its large language model (LLM) is known for its reasoning abilities. This has made it a strong competitor to US-based AI models like OpenAI’s GPT-4. DeepSeek is also cheaper to train and run compared to these US models. This cost advantage has made DeepSeek a popular choice for many.

Its success has raised concerns, however, especially in the United States. Some worry that DeepSeek’s lower operating costs could challenge the massive investments in AI infrastructure being made in the US and other Western countries.

Concerns Over Chinese AI Models

DeepSeek’s rise highlights the growing concerns over Chinese-developed AI. Countries worry about these technologies being used for surveillance and data collection. Although DeepSeek is not the only Chinese AI to face criticism, it has become a symbol of the growing tension between global powers over technology.

China has been making great strides in AI, developing systems that rival those from the US. While this progress is impressive, it has also raised alarms about privacy and security risks. The debate over Chinese AI’s potential dangers will continue as the technology evolves.

What’s Next for DeepSeek?

Even with the bans in place, DeepSeek’s future remains uncertain. Governments are likely to keep monitoring AI technologies to ensure they protect privacy and national security. How DeepSeek handles these concerns will shape the future of AI and its regulation.

DeepSeek’s situation shows the challenges that come with AI development. Countries are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by AI, but these technologies also hold great promise. The outcome of this debate may influence how AI is developed and used worldwide.

As DeepSeek faces bans in several countries, its future remains uncertain. The debate over AI’s role in society is just beginning. Governments around the world are working to balance the benefits of AI with the need to protect user privacy. The outcome of this controversy will likely shape the direction of AI regulation in the coming years.

To learn more about the latest news related to AI and privacy, visit Financial Mirror.