South Korea has escalated its crackdown on DeepSeek, a rising Chinese artificial intelligence startup, by blocking its access to government computers over unresolved data privacy concerns. Authorities took this drastic step after DeepSeek failed to respond to an official request from South Korea’s data watchdog regarding its user information management practices.
The move comes amid growing global scrutiny of DeepSeek, which recently launched its R1 chatbot, boasting capabilities that rival top AI models from the United States but at a fraction of the cost. The chatbot’s rapid rise has disrupted the industry, prompting several nations—including France, Italy, and Australia—to investigate its data handling policies.
South Korea’s defense ministry confirmed on Thursday that DeepSeek has been blocked on military-related computers, citing concerns over potential security leaks. The ministry also issued fresh security guidelines for soldiers and units regarding the risks of generative AI. The South Korean police, trade ministry, finance ministry, unification ministry, and foreign ministry have also restricted access to DeepSeek’s services, fearing possible exposure of sensitive government data.
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The controversy surrounding DeepSeek extends beyond South Korea. Last week, Italy banned the AI model from processing local user data, launching an investigation into its privacy practices. Australia has also prohibited DeepSeek’s use on all government devices based on security agency recommendations.
South Korea’s firm stance comes at a time when its tech industry is investing heavily in AI and semiconductor advancements. The government announced a $23.5 billion investment in high-tech industries, with Acting President Choi Sang-mok urging Korean firms to stay ahead in the AI arms race. He acknowledged DeepSeek’s disruptive entry into the market and warned that the global AI competition is evolving beyond infrastructure into software and security capabilities.
With multiple governments raising red flags over DeepSeek’s operations, the Chinese startup faces increasing pressure to clarify its data collection and privacy policies or risk further international bans. The unfolding developments signal a deepening AI rivalry between global superpowers, where data security and privacy concerns are becoming just as critical as innovation itself.
