.png){kind=small}
English
South Korean Ministries and Police Block DeepSeek Access Amid Data Concerns
South Korean Ministries and Police Block DeepSeek Access Amid Data Concerns
Title South Korean Ministries and Police Block DeepSeek Access Amid Data Concerns
The rapid advancement of AI technology has raised concerns about data privacy and security. Recently, South Korean ministries and police have taken steps to block access to the Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, due to its failure to provide information on how it manages user data.
DeepSeek, which launched its R1 chatbot last month, claims to offer a high-performance AI model at a fraction of the cost of similar technology in the United States. However, this has raised concerns among countries such as South Korea, France, and Italy about the company's data practices.
South Korean ministries have confirmed that they are taking measures to limit access to DeepSeek to prevent potential leaks of sensitive information through generative AI services. The Defense Ministry, which oversees active-duty soldiers deployed against North Korea, has implemented blocking measures for military work-related PCs with internet access. Similarly, the police and other ministries have also blocked access to DeepSeek.
The ban on DeepSeek is not an isolated incident. Italy has launched an investigation into the company's R1 model and has blocked it from processing Italian users' data. Australia has also banned DeepSeek from all government devices on the advice of security agencies.
As concerns about AI technology continue to grow, experts are warning that political factors may be influencing the reaction to DeepSeek. Professor Kim Jong-hwa, an expert in AI at Cheju Halla University, believes that the bans are justified due to technical and security-related issues with AI models like ChatGPT.
In response to the ban, Beijing has emphasized that the Chinese government will never require enterprises or individuals to illegally collect or store data. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, added that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
As the global AI competition continues to evolve, experts predict that it may become a more complex competition that includes software capabilities and other factors. In 2025, South Korea plans to invest $23.5 billion in semiconductors and high-tech industries to stay competitive.
Key Takeaways
1. South Korean ministries and police have blocked access to DeepSeek due to concerns about data management.
2. Italy has launched an investigation into the company's R1 model and has blocked it from processing Italian users' data.
3. Australia has banned DeepSeek from all government devices on the advice of security agencies.
4. Experts warn that political factors may be influencing the reaction to DeepSeek.
5. The global AI competition is becoming increasingly complex, with software capabilities and other factors playing a greater role.
Conclusion
As AI technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it's clear that concerns about data privacy and security will only continue to grow. As governments and companies grapple with the implications of this technology, it's essential to prioritize transparency and accountability in data management practices.
