South Korea: DeepSeek Shared User Data Without Consent - Data Protection Concerns

People watch a TV report on DeepSeek, during a news programme in Seoul, South Korea. A probe found that DeepSeek data sent to a Chinese server without consent. Photo: AP

South Korea's data protection authority has revealed that the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek transferred user data and prompts without consent when the app was available for download in the country's app store.

The authority stated that DeepSeek did not obtain user approval before sharing their personal data with multiple companies in China and the United States when the app launched in South Korea in January. In addition to personal data, the app also sent AI-related commands and requests to "Volcano Engine Technology," a company based in Beijing, along with device and network details.

DeepSeek's Explanation on Data Sharing

In response, DeepSeek clarified that the decision to send this data to Volcano Engine was intended to enhance the user experience. The company has since stopped transferring this type of information starting on April 10.

The South Korean data authority has now issued revised guidelines, instructing DeepSeek to immediately delete the AI-related commands sent to Volcano Engine. The guidelines also include new rules for transferring personal information and data internationally.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Responds

In reference to the agency's statement, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any illegal data collection or storage practices by companies.

In February, South Korea's data protection authority suspended new downloads of the DeepSeek app after the company admitted to not complying with some of the country's personal data protection regulations.