South Korea becomes the latest country to temporarily suspend new downloads of the Chinese AI app, DeepSeek, due to concerns over its data collection and privacy practices. The suspension will remain in place until DeepSeek resolves the issues raised by South Korea’s national data protection agency, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC). However, existing users can still access the app’s services.
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Following an investigation, the commission found that DeepSeek lacked transparency about how user data was being collected and shared with third parties. Also, concerns were raised about the excessive amount of personal information collected by the app. As a result, DeepSeek’s apps were removed from the South Korean versions of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
It is worth noting that DeepSeek has appointed legal representatives in South Korea to address the issue raised by the PIPC. Also, the company acknowledged the need to improve its data protection practices to comply with South Korean law.
DeepSeek Faces Global Backlash
South Korea isn’t alone in its cautious approach towards DeepSeek. Australia has banned the use of DeepSeek on government devices due to security concerns. Italy’s data protection authority, Garante, has ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country. At the same time, Taiwan has prohibited government departments from using DeepSeek AI.
Further, the privacy watchdogs of countries such as Ireland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have raised concerns about the DeepSeek app’s data collection practices. In addition, several U.S. federal agencies have asked their employees not to access DeepSeek.
It is worth mentioning that the key concern about DeepSeek is that user data might be shared with the Chinese government, as the country’s laws require companies to provide data to intelligence agencies upon request.
Which Is the Best AI Stock to Buy?
While DeepSeek is facing bans in several countries, U.S.-based AI companies are ramping up their investments in AI technology. This indicates that these companies are committed to advancing and innovating in the field, despite the initial setback caused by DeepSeek’s cost-effective model.
For investors interested in AI stocks, we have rounded up the best stocks that analysts are bullish about using the TipRanks Stocks Comparison tool. Among these stocks, analysts see the most upside potential of 37.8% in Micron (MU) stock.
