DeepSeek Temporarily Banned in South Korea Amid Government Security Concerns
The South Korean government has issued a temporary ban on DeepSeek—a fast-rising Chinese AI chatbot—citing security and privacy worries. According to Reuters, the ban follows an official notice advising government ministries and agencies to limit or block access to DeepSeek and ChatGPT on work devices containing sensitive data.
Government Entities Taking Precautions
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP): Implemented a policy earlier this month blocking any use of AI chatbots such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT.
Defense Ministry: Banned DeepSeek on military-use computers to mitigate the risk of potential security breaches.
Foreign Ministry: Restricted staff from using DeepSeek on external network-connected computers, noting concerns similar to those raised around ChatGPT’s handling of sensitive information.
Growing International Trend
South Korea joins Australia and Taiwan in shutting down access to DeepSeek on government devices this week. Additionally, in Italy, DeepSeek’s iOS and Android apps were removed from Apple and Google app stores after a local privacy watchdog requested information about the service’s compliance with GDPR. DeepSeek’s response could determine whether Italy restores or permanently bans the chatbot in that region.
South Korea’s information privacy authority intends to contact DeepSeek for clarification on how it manages user data. Depending on the AI company’s replies and any subsequent regulatory findings, the country might keep the ban in place or revoke it. In any scenario, the ongoing wave of restrictions signals heightened worldwide caution about rapidly emerging AI chatbots that handle or store sensitive information.
What are your thoughts on governments increasingly banning AI chatbots like DeepSeek and ChatGPT? Do you think these moves are justified for national security, or do they risk stifling innovation? Share your perspective below!
