Your support powers our stories
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has issued a warning regarding the Chinese AI application DeepSeek, citing concerns over its extensive data collection practices. Unlike other AI platforms, DeepSeek reportedly gathers sensitive information, including keyboard input patterns, and transmits it to Chinese servers. In response, several South Korean government ministries have preemptively blocked access to the app to mitigate potential security risks. The intelligence agency has urged government entities to implement necessary protective measures to safeguard sensitive data.
Additionally, the NIS has raised alarms about DeepSeek’s data-sharing policies, claiming that advertisers are granted unrestricted access to user information. The agency also highlighted that South Korean users’ data is stored in China, where local regulations could permit government access. Another point of contention is the app’s inconsistent responses to politically and culturally sensitive topics, such as the origin of kimchi, where answers reportedly shift depending on the language used.
Concerns over content censorship have further fueled scrutiny of DeepSeek, particularly regarding politically sensitive subjects such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. The app has allegedly redirected discussions away from these topics, raising questions about its transparency. In defense, China’s foreign ministry has asserted its commitment to data security and privacy, denying any undue governmental influence over private companies. However, DeepSeek itself has yet to address the allegations made by South Korean authorities.
“Your donation helps us cover global events, ensuring everyone stays informed.”
(Source: Digital Watch Observatory | Nikkei Asia)
