Why South Korea is Blocking DeepSeek
In a significant move, South Korea's ministries have temporarily blocked employee access to DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, citing security concerns. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, comes as the government urges caution when using generative AI services like DeepSeek and ChatGPT at work.
The restrictions reflect growing concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive data in generative AI tools, especially those developed under less-transparent regulatory environments.
Other Nations Taking a Stand
South Korea isn't the only country cracking down on DeepSeek. Earlier this week, Australia and Taiwan banned the AI startup from all government devices over fears of data breaches and security risks. Similarly, Italy launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s data practices and banned its chatbot from processing Italian users’ data.
Even the South Korean Ministry of National Defense has taken action by restricting DeepSeek access on military-use computers. These proactive measures highlight the growing tension in the global AI race, especially between the US and China.
Concerns from Tech Experts
Kim Jong-hwa, a professor at Cheju Halla University, weighed in on the issue, stating, “AI models like ChatGPT also face security-related challenges. Given China's political environment, there’s reason to question how much emphasis is placed on security during the development process.”
He added that restricting access to tools like DeepSeek is a reasonable step until these concerns are addressed.
What DeepSeek Says
DeepSeek has claimed that its AI models rival those developed in the US, offering similar capabilities at a fraction of the cost. However, the company has yet to address specific concerns raised by regulators, including how it manages user data. The lack of transparency has only fuelled scepticism among governments and businesses worldwide.
The Bigger Picture
South Korea's actions underscore the global scrutiny surrounding AI tools and data privacy. As governments and companies grow more cautious, the pressure is mounting on AI developers to ensure robust security measures and transparent data practices.
With the tech rivalry between the US and China intensifying, it’s clear that the future of AI will depend as much on trust and transparency as it does on innovation.
