South Korea has moved to block access to DeepSeek, a rising Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup, from its government computers, citing concerns over data security and the company’s lack of transparency regarding its information management practices. The decision follows DeepSeek’s failure to respond to an official inquiry from South Korea’s data watchdog about its data collection and privacy policies.
DeepSeek, which launched its R1 chatbot last month, has drawn significant attention for its claim of rivaling leading U.S. AI models while requiring substantially lower investment. However, the company has been facing mounting regulatory scrutiny, with South Korea joining countries like France and Italy in demanding clarity on how it collects, processes, and stores user data.
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense confirmed that DeepSeek has been blocked on all military-related computers connected to the internet, citing security concerns over generative AI’s potential for unauthorized data leaks. The ministry emphasized that in addition to restricting access, it has reinforced guidelines on AI use for all military personnel, particularly in sensitive operations involving North Korea.
Similarly, the South Korean police force has restricted DeepSeek’s access, while other key government agencies, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Unification, have taken precautionary measures to ensure that their internal networks remain secure.
A defense ministry official stated that the move was necessary given the rapid advancements in AI technology and the potential risks associated with allowing foreign AI models to access sensitive government systems. The official stressed that AI-generated content could be manipulated or exploited for cyber-espionage, making it essential to take preemptive action.
The growing concerns around DeepSeek’s data practices are not limited to South Korea. Last week, Italy’s data protection authority launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s R1 model, citing potential privacy violations. Italy has since blocked DeepSeek from processing Italian user data while awaiting further clarification. Australia has also banned the AI platform from all government devices, with its security agencies warning that generative AI models could inadvertently expose classified information.
Kim Jong-hwa, an artificial intelligence professor at Cheju Halla University, suggested that political factors could also be influencing these global actions against DeepSeek. He pointed out that while AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT have also faced security concerns, DeepSeek’s ties to China have amplified regulatory scrutiny. He noted that AI governance and transparency measures vary significantly between Western and Chinese companies, raising concerns over whether DeepSeek adheres to the same data protection standards as its American and European counterparts.
“From a technical standpoint, AI models like ChatGPT also have unresolved security vulnerabilities,” Kim explained. “But China operates under a different regulatory framework, and that raises questions about whether DeepSeek has the same level of commitment to security and data privacy as OpenAI or Google.”
With the global AI race intensifying, concerns over data security and national interests are becoming increasingly intertwined. DeepSeek’s rapid rise has disrupted the AI industry, particularly with its use of H800 chips—older semiconductor models that were still available for sale to China until 2023 under U.S. export restrictions.
South Korea’s semiconductor giants, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, play a major role in supplying advanced AI chips worldwide. As AI-driven industries expand, the South Korean government has been taking strategic steps to ensure that its technology sector remains competitive. Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok recently announced an additional 34 trillion won ($23.5 billion) investment in high-tech industries, including artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.
Choi noted that the global AI landscape is shifting beyond a simple competition over infrastructure and hardware. “AI competition is no longer just about processing power,” he said. “We are entering an era where software capabilities, regulatory compliance, and long-term strategic adaptability will determine leadership in the AI industry.”
In response to the bans, China has strongly opposed what it sees as the politicization of AI development. Beijing rejected allegations that it engages in illicit data collection, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun insisting that the Chinese government does not require businesses to gather or store data unlawfully.
“China has always opposed the generalization of national security concerns to suppress technological innovation,” Guo said in a statement. “We firmly oppose using economic and technological issues as tools for geopolitical rivalry and will take measures to protect the rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.”
Beijing’s strong reaction underscores the increasing tensions between global powers over AI development and technological dominance. With AI now at the center of international competition, restrictions on companies like DeepSeek could set a precedent for how governments regulate foreign AI technologies moving forward.
As the debate over AI security continues, South Korea’s move to block DeepSeek marks another significant development in the global conversation about privacy, national security, and digital sovereignty. With more governments re-evaluating their AI policies, the coming months could see even tighter restrictions on generative AI platforms that fail to meet transparency and security standards.
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