SEOUL: South Korea has accused the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of sharing user data with ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.
The South Korean data protection regulator confirmed its investigation, stating it found communications between DeepSeek and ByteDance.
Due to concerns over data privacy, DeepSeek was removed from app stores in South Korea over the weekend.
The South Korean regulator said it is investigating what specific data was transferred between the two companies.
Despite these concerns, existing users can still access DeepSeek via web browsers. However, the app has been pulled from app stores.
Data Sharing Concerns
The controversy surrounding DeepSeek stems from accusations that its new AI model was trained at a lower cost than competitors.
The app gained significant attention in January 2025, especially in the AI sector, causing global market turbulence.
Several countries have raised alarms about DeepSeek’s data protection practices, with a particular focus on its links to ByteDance.
A cybersecurity firm in the US also raised concerns about potential data sharing between DeepSeek and ByteDance.
In South Korea, DeepSeek was downloaded over a million times before being removed from the app stores.
Global Repercussions
The app, which saw widespread popularity, reached the top of App Store rankings in multiple countries.
However, it has now fallen behind ChatGPT in the UK rankings. Despite this, its impact continues to stir debate.
Countries like Australia and Taiwan have already banned DeepSeek from government devices due to security concerns.
South Korea’s data protection agency has taken action, advising caution to users who have downloaded the app.
The agency noted that DeepSeek was cooperating with the investigation but had failed to adhere to South Korean laws.
Privacy Violations
The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) in South Korea highlighted third-party data transfers and privacy policy issues.
The regulator expressed concerns over the app’s transparency and its handling of user data.
South Korea’s PIPC said the privacy policy of DeepSeek did not adequately address concerns over data sharing.
They also found evidence of data traffic directed to domains potentially linked to Chinese state-owned entities.
Despite these findings, the regulator has not confirmed the extent of the data shared with ByteDance.
Chinese Law and Security Risks
DeepSeek’s rapid rise in popularity raised suspicions globally. Some analysts believe China’s National Intelligence Law might be at play.
Critics argue that this law grants the Chinese government the authority to access data from companies like ByteDance.
However, ByteDance, though headquartered in Beijing, is partially owned by international investors, which complicates matters.
Proponents of ByteDance claim the National Intelligence Law also protects the private data of companies and individuals.
This concern over user data being sent to China has also contributed to previous bans on TikTok in several countries.
Continuing Investigation
Security Scorecard, a cybersecurity firm, warned about the app’s connections to ByteDance. They noted that DeepSeek seemed integrated with ByteDance’s services.
The company’s review also pointed to the possibility that user behavior and device metadata were transmitted to ByteDance.
In response, South Korea’s PIPC acknowledged that there were significant gaps in DeepSeek’s transparency regarding data usage.
They advised users to avoid inputting personal information into the chatbot, given the privacy risks involved.
As investigations continue, South Korea has been joined by other countries in scrutinizing the app’s data protection practices.
International Warnings
Countries around the world, including the US, have raised concerns about potential data sharing with China.
In particular, a US cybersecurity company flagged direct connections between DeepSeek and ByteDance’s analytics infrastructure.
The concerns over privacy are compounded by DeepSeek’s connections to Chinese state-linked domains, according to the report.
South Korea’s actions come after similar moves by other countries to protect government devices from potential data theft.
The international backlash against DeepSeek underscores the growing concerns over AI’s role in data privacy and security.
A Global Debate on Data Privacy
The DeepSeek issue has ignited a broader debate on data privacy in the tech and AI sectors.
Countries worldwide are grappling with the implications of foreign tech companies handling sensitive user data.
This controversy adds to the mounting concerns over Chinese tech companies operating globally and their data practices.
As regulators in South Korea, the US, and elsewhere investigate, users are advised to exercise caution.
The future of DeepSeek and its data-sharing practices remains uncertain as investigations continue.
