China’s DeepSeek Disappears From South Korea’s App Stores

DeepSeek is no longer available in South Korean app stores due to concerns over the Chinese AI startup’s handling of user data, Andrew Nusca reported for Fortune’s Data Sheet.

South Korean government agencies have now blocked access to DeepSeek over privacy concerns.

This week South Korean authorities announced that DeepSeek had been removed while officials “thoroughly examine” its data handling practices to ensure compliance with local laws.

The app was taken down on Saturday at 6 p.m. local time. Similar to TikTok after its U.S. ban, the app remains accessible to users who had previously downloaded it.

DeepSeek has stated that it stores data in “secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.” The company’s low-cost R1 chatbot shocked the tech industry last month by delivering performance competitive with a pricier rival system from OpenAI.

South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission said DeepSeek “accepted” the agency’s proposal to suspend service in the country while it works to comply with local privacy laws.

South Korean government agencies have now blocked access to DeepSeek over privacy concerns, joining their counterparts in Italy and Australia—and potentially the U.S., if a proposed bill passes.