SEOUL: South Korea’s data protection authority has raised concerns regarding the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, stating that it transferred user data and prompts without consent while its service was still accessible in the country’s app marketplace.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Personal Information Protection Commission revealed that Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co. Ltd. did not secure user approval for sharing personal information with various companies in China and the United States at the time of its launch in South Korea in January.
In February, South Korea’s data protection agency suspended new downloads of the DeepSeek app, citing the company’s acknowledgment of its oversight in complying with certain regulations related to personal data protection.
Additionally, the agency disclosed that DeepSeek transmitted user-generated AI prompts to Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co. Ltd., along with device, network, and application information.
DeepSeek later informed the agency that it had decided to share information with Volcano Engine to enhance user experience. They also indicated that they halted the transfer of AI prompt content starting April 10.
In response, the agency has decided to issue a corrective recommendation, instructing DeepSeek to eliminate any AI prompt content sent to Volcano Engine and to establish a lawful framework for transferring personal information internationally.
