Chinese AI platform DeepSeek resumed downloads in South Korea following a two-month suspension, after addressing regulators’ concerns over unauthorised data transfers that sparked scrutiny of its privacy practices, according to Reuters.
DeepSeek reappeared on Apple’s App Store and Google Play in South Korea on Monday, having revised its privacy policy to explicitly state compliance with the country’s Personal Information Protection Act. Users now retain the option to block transfers of personal data to third-party firms in China and the US, a key demand from South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC).
We process your personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act of Korea.
The PIPC confirmed DeepSeek had “partially implemented” its recommendations, allowing the voluntary relaunch. The regulator had suspended downloads in February after finding the service illegally shared user prompts and information without consent during its January debut.
The controversy highlights growing vigilance over data sovereignty in South Korea, particularly for Chinese tech firms expanding regionally. While DeepSeek’s updated policy asserts lawful data handling, it faces lingering scepticism: the company did not respond to requests for comment on Monday regarding specific corrective measures.
The PIPC’s intervention reflects broader regional tensions, as governments tighten oversight of AI tools over concerns sensitive data could be exposed to foreign jurisdictions. Notably, DeepSeek’s return avoids fines but sets a precedent for stricter enforcement—a warning to rivals like ByteDance and Tencent amid Seoul’s push to bolster domestic AI alternatives.
