DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence company, released a Korean-language version of its updated privacy policy on Monday. This move follows public criticism and regulatory pressure over how the service handled Korean user data.
Why DeepSeek Faced Criticism
Last week, South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) revealed that DeepSeek had transferred user data overseas without getting permission. Specifically, it shared information with three Chinese companies and one American firm. User inputs entered into prompts were also sent to Volcano, a Chinese tech company linked to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.
In response, the PIPC asked DeepSeek to legally justify its overseas data transfers, delete collected prompt information, and disclose its information policies in Korean.
DeepSeek’s Changes and New Privacy Measures
In its updated policy, DeepSeek created a special section tailored to South Korea. The company stated it now processes personal information according to the Korean Personal Information Protection Act. By adding local rules, DeepSeek aims to rebuild trust and show its commitment to following Korean law.
However, despite these revisions, DeepSeek has not yet resumed service in South Korea. The app remains suspended after halting its operations on February 15, just one month after its initial launch.
What Lies Ahead
DeepSeek’s situation highlights a growing trend. Tech companies entering foreign markets must provide clear, localized information and respect national data protection rules. Although DeepSeek’s updated policy is a step forward, South Korean users remain cautious.
For now, users are waiting to see if DeepSeek will take further steps to ensure data safety before the service makes a full return.
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