Source URL: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/02/17/064219/deepseek-removed-from-south-korea-app-stores-pending-privacy-review?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: DeepSeek Removed from South Korea App Stores Pending Privacy Review
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AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text highlights significant concerns surrounding the AI model DeepSeek’s data collection practices, particularly regarding user privacy and governmental responses to these concerns. This is especially relevant for professionals in privacy and compliance in AI security, underscoring the need for transparent data handling practices.
Detailed Description: The events surrounding DeepSeek illustrate critical issues related to information security, user privacy, and regulatory compliance in AI technologies. Various governments are taking significant actions against the AI model due to concerns about its handling of personal data.
– **Investigation Initiated**: Seoul’s Personal Information Protection Commission is conducting a review of DeepSeek’s personal data collection practices, resulting in the suspension of the model’s download availability.
– **Data Storage Concerns**: DeepSeek claims to store user data on secure servers located in China, raising alarms among several countries about potential risks and lack of transparency about third-party data handling.
– **Government Actions**:
– **South Korea**: Several ministries and police agencies have blocked access to DeepSeek on their devices amidst the ongoing investigation.
– **Italy**: Authorities have initiated an investigation into DeepSeek’s R1 model, blocking it from processing any data related to Italian users.
– **Australia**: The government has banned DeepSeek from all government devices based on security agency recommendations.
– **United States**: Lawmakers have proposed legislation aimed at banning DeepSeek from government usage due to user data security concerns.
– **User Base**: An analysis by Wiseapp Retail indicates that DeepSeek had a substantial user base, with approximately 1.2 million smartphone users in South Korea, highlighting its popularity and the pressing need for scrutiny as it ranks just behind ChatGPT in usage.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for AI developers and compliance professionals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparent and secure data practices while conforming to privacy regulations to avoid governmental pushback and potential legal consequences.