On Wednesday, both South Korea and Australia implemented restrictions on the use of the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek by officials in certain government departments, as reported by Seoul-based Yonhap News. This decision reflects growing concerns about data security and privacy associated with the rapidly advancing technology from the Chinese startup.
In South Korea, access to DeepSeek has been blocked on computers that connect to external networks within the foreign, trade, and defense ministries. Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety issued a notice to government agencies earlier in the week, advising caution against sharing personal information while using AI services.
Several major South Korean technology firms, including Kakao, Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and LG Electronics, have also prohibited the use of DeepSeek for business-related activities. This collective action highlights the apprehension surrounding the security implications of utilizing AI developed by a Chinese company.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok characterized DeepSeek as a "fresh shock" that could potentially disrupt the global industrial landscape. He noted that the platform’s recent advancements, particularly the introduction of its new AI model, DeepSeek R1, deliver high performance at a low cost, raising competitive stakes across various sectors.
Earlier this month, the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power had already restricted the use of AI services, including DeepSeek, emphasizing the growing caution within the government regarding national security. The defense ministry confirmed that access to DeepSeek has been blocked on military-use computers as well.
The foreign ministry has similarly limited access to DeepSeek on computers linked to external networks, although it has not disclosed specific security measures. The South Korean information privacy watchdog has announced its intention to seek clarification from DeepSeek about its user data management practices in light of these developments.
The shift in policy comes as DeepSeek’s latest AI models have been positioned as highly competitive alternatives to those developed by leading U.S. companies, prompting governments and corporations to reevaluate their AI usage strategies. DeepSeek has not responded to requests for comment regarding these concerns.
This situation is not isolated to South Korea; Australia has also banned DeepSeek from all government devices due to similar security apprehensions. Taiwan followed suit, further emphasizing the growing caution among nations regarding the Chinese AI platform.
Choi highlighted the urgency for government countermeasures after a thorough assessment of key industries such as semiconductors, batteries, automobiles, shipping, and steel. He stated that the government would provide swift support to address the challenges posed by the emerging AI competition.
To bolster its response, the South Korean government plans to establish a new 34 trillion won ($23.4 billion) fund through the state-run Korea Development Bank, aimed at supporting advancements in cutting-edge technologies, including AI and semiconductors.
As the landscape of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, South Korea's government remains vigilant about security, particularly concerning DeepSeek. The Ministry of Industry has temporarily restricted employee access to the platform, aligning with broader efforts to regulate the use of generative AI services.
The rising concerns regarding DeepSeek are echoed internationally, with officials in Australia warning citizens about potential risks and U.S. authorities assessing national security implications. Furthermore, Italy's data protection authority previously ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country due to unresolved privacy issues.
Overall, the rapid advancements of DeepSeek have prompted a significant reevaluation of AI policies not only in South Korea but also across the globe, as governments and corporations work to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology.
Zainab Y.
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