South Korea has removed the AI-powered search engine DeepSeek from app stores, citing concerns over user data privacy. The country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) is conducting a review to assess whether DeepSeek’s data collection practices comply with national regulations.
DeepSeek, a China-based AI search engine, recently gained attention for its advanced search capabilities, which leverage artificial intelligence to generate more context-aware results. However, South Korean regulators have raised concerns over how the platform processes and stores user data, particularly regarding potential risks of unauthorized data transfers.
A spokesperson from the PIPC stated that the decision to temporarily remove DeepSeek from app stores was made to protect users’ personal information while the review is underway. “We are committed to ensuring that all digital services operating in South Korea adhere to strict privacy standards,” the commission noted.
The suspension aligns with South Korea’s broader efforts to strengthen data privacy laws and scrutinize foreign digital platforms. Similar concerns have been raised in the past regarding apps and services that handle large volumes of user data, especially those with ties to foreign jurisdictions.
DeepSeek has yet to issue an official response regarding the removal. However, industry analysts suggest that if the platform fails to meet South Korea’s data protection requirements, it may face further regulatory actions, including potential bans or mandatory adjustments to its privacy policies.
The outcome of the ongoing review will determine whether DeepSeek can resume operations in the South Korean market. Meanwhile, the case underscores the growing global scrutiny on AI-driven search engines and the regulatory challenges surrounding data privacy and security.
