Seoul: South Korea blocks DeepSeek over security concerns, restricting employee access. The move aligns with the government’s caution regarding generative AI services, including ChatGPT. Officials announced on Wednesday that the industry ministry had restricted access, and other agencies have followed suit.
Government Advisory on AI Use
On Tuesday, the South Korean government issued a notice urging ministries and agencies to exercise caution when using AI tools. Following this advisory, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power confirmed that it had already blocked access to DeepSeek earlier in the month. The defense ministry has also banned the platform on military-use computers, while the foreign ministry has restricted access on systems connected to external networks. However, specific security measures remain undisclosed.
DeepSeek Faces Global Scrutiny
The restrictions in South Korea add to growing international concerns over DeepSeek. Australia and Taiwan recently banned the platform from government devices, citing security risks. Italy’s data protection authority ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot services within the country in January due to unresolved privacy concerns. Other nations, including the U.S., India, and some in Europe, are also evaluating the implications of using DeepSeek.
Privacy Watchdog Investigates DeepSeek
South Korea’s information privacy watchdog plans to inquire about DeepSeek’s handling of user data. The scrutiny comes after DeepSeek launched its latest AI models last month, claiming that their performance rivals U.S.-developed models at a fraction of the cost. The rapid advancement of Chinese AI technology has heightened security fears globally.
Tech Industry Response in South Korea
Several South Korean tech companies have responded with caution. Kakao Corp, a leading chat app operator, advised employees against using DeepSeek due to security concerns. This warning came just a day after the company announced a partnership with OpenAI. SK Hynix, a major AI chipmaker, has also restricted generative AI usage, allowing only limited access when necessary. Meanwhile, Naver, a prominent web portal, has advised employees to avoid generative AI services that store data externally.
Conclusion
South Korea joins a growing list of nations placing restrictions on DeepSeek due to security and privacy concerns. As AI technology evolves, governments and corporations are becoming increasingly cautious about the risks associated with generative AI platforms. The situation remains fluid, with regulatory bodies and tech firms closely monitoring developments in AI security.
