In South Korea, the Chinese chatbot DeepSeek debuted in January of this year. However, last week local regulators revealed that user data and requests had been transferred to China and the United States without proper consent. Despite this, the app, also called DeepSeek, reappeared this week on app stores available to users in South Korea.
Access to the app was originally suspended in February, but from Monday it has once again become available through both the Apple App Store and Google Play. According to a report by Reuters, the app’s listing now includes a statement that reads: “We process your personal data in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act of South Korea.” The developers have also stated that users can opt out of data transfers to selected Chinese and American companies.
We’ll keep you updated as the situation develops and more information about the app’s compliance efforts becomes available.
Regulatory Response and Restrictions Abroad
South Korean regulators confirmed that DeepSeek returned to app stores on its own initiative. The app was able to regain access by partially complying with requirements set by the country’s data protection authorities. While this does not imply full approval, it suggests that the company took steps toward addressing regulatory concerns.
In other countries, the app faces restrictions, particularly for officials using government-issued electronic devices, notes NIX Solutions. In rare instances, full bans have been implemented. Authorities in these regions remain cautious, citing fears that DeepSeek may transmit users’ personal data and other sensitive information to Chinese intelligence agencies.
The global reaction underscores ongoing concerns about how AI applications handle cross-border data flows. DeepSeek’s return to the South Korean market suggests a willingness to adapt, but scrutiny is likely to continue. Users are encouraged to review privacy settings and stay informed about how their data is processed.
Yet we’ll keep you updated as more integrations and policy responses emerge in connection with DeepSeek’s international use.