DeepSeek AI Returns to South Korea Despite Past Privacy Violations

Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek returns to South Korea, now under scrutiny, after previous covert data transfers sparked privacy concerns.

DeepSeek’s app pulled from South Korea in February

Chinese AI company DeepSeek has quietly resumed operations in South Korea after the app was suspended two months ago. South Korean officials decided to suspend it in February for serious violations of data protection laws.

The South Korean Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) confirmed last week that DeepSeek is once again available for download on all popular app platforms, including Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

The DeepSeek app was pulled two months ago for transferring sensitive user data and AI prompt content to overseas entities (primarily Chinese) without seeking consent from its users.

Ties to ByteDance and Chinese state firms

According to an April 24 PIPC statement, DeepSeek failed to secure proper user authorization while transferring personal information to multiple companies based in China and the United States during its initial launch in January.

Among the recipients of this data was Beijing Volcano Engine Technology, an affiliate of ByteDance, the Chinese giant behind TikTok. DeepSeek allegedly shared AI prompt content along with device and network details, claiming it was necessary for “user experience improvement.” DeepSeek ceased the transfers on April 10.

Troubled past sparked public concern

In February, South Korean cybersecurity experts identified an obfuscated script on DeepSeek’s website that funneled account data directly to China Mobile, a state-owned telecom firm.

The same month, the PIPC disclosed it had spotted communication between DeepSeek and ByteDance itself, sparking fresh concerns of potential data misuse. While the scope and nature of the transferred information remain unclear, PIPC officials said they are still investigating the extent of DeepSeek’s data-sharing practices.

DeepSeek’s quiet comeback on South Korean digital markets

Despite its checkered history, DeepSeek has now reintroduced its app in South Korea, claiming compliance with the country’s privacy regulations.

A new privacy policy lets users opt out of data transfers to international third parties. This partial concession helped DeepSeek to republish its app without explicit governmental approval.

According to the PIPC, any developer is free to relaunch services if they demonstrate sufficient alignment with recommended privacy standards.