South Korea Takes Action Against DeepSeek
South Korea has temporarily blocked access to the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek on government networks. The decision comes amid growing concerns about security risks linked to generative AI services. The country’s industry ministry restricted access to DeepSeek for its employees, following similar actions by other government agencies.
Officials announced that the move was part of a broader effort to ensure data security. The South Korean government has urged ministries and public institutions to exercise caution when using AI models like DeepSeek and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Government Agencies Strengthen Security
Several key South Korean government bodies have already taken action against DeepSeek. The defense ministry has blocked the AI service on military-use computers, preventing soldiers and officers from accessing it. Similarly, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, the state-run nuclear energy operator, confirmed that it had banned the use of DeepSeek and other generative AI tools earlier this month.
The foreign ministry has also restricted access to DeepSeek on computers that connect to external networks. However, officials have not confirmed if similar measures apply to ChatGPT or other AI platforms.
South Korea’s information privacy watchdog is now investigating how DeepSeek handles personal user data. The agency plans to contact the Chinese AI startup to gather details on its data management policies.
Global Concerns Over DeepSeek
South Korea is not the first country to impose restrictions on DeepSeek. In the past week alone, Australia and Taiwan have banned the AI service on all government devices due to security risks.
Earlier this year, Italy’s data protection authority ordered DeepSeek to block access in the country. The regulator cited concerns over the company’s privacy policies and failure to meet transparency requirements.
Governments in Europe, the United States, and India are also reviewing the potential risks associated with DeepSeek. Authorities worry that AI models developed by Chinese firms could be used for surveillance, data breaches, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
DeepSeek’s Rapid Rise in the AI Industry
DeepSeek has made headlines for its highly efficient AI models, which are said to rival products from top U.S. firms like OpenAI and Anthropic. The startup has achieved breakthrough performance at a fraction of the cost required by its American competitors.
Last month, DeepSeek launched its latest AI models, which stunned the tech world with their capabilities. The company claims its models can match or even outperform OpenAI’s GPT-4o, all while using fewer computing resources.
DeepSeek’s rapid growth has raised concerns among global policymakers. Some fear that the company’s ties to China’s government and military could pose risks to international cybersecurity.
Private Companies in South Korea React
Beyond the government, private corporations in South Korea are also taking a cautious approach toward DeepSeek. Kakao Corp, the country’s leading chat app operator, has warned its employees not to use DeepSeek due to security concerns. This announcement came just one day after Kakao revealed a new partnership with OpenAI, one of DeepSeek’s main competitors.
What Happens Next?
The restrictions on DeepSeek in South Korea mark another step in the global push for AI regulation and security. While AI models provide powerful new capabilities, they also bring privacy and cybersecurity risks.
As more governments investigate DeepSeek, the company may face stricter regulations or outright bans in additional countries. Meanwhile, South Korea’s decision could influence other nations to follow suit.
For now, it remains unclear whether South Korea will extend restrictions to other AI models, such as ChatGPT. However, the move signals a wider effort to safeguard national security and protect sensitive data from potential misuse. The DeepSeek vs OpenAI technological rivalry would go a long way ahead, propelling nations to implement strict rules amid security concerns.
