South Korea has accused the China-based AI startup DeepSeek of sending its user data to ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, sparking a data privacy investigation amid growing concerns over the startup’s practices.
South Korea has accused DeepSeek, a China-based artificial intelligence startup, of transferring the country’s user data to a third party, according to local media reports.
The nation’s data protection regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), confirmed that DeepSeek sent user data to ByteDance, the parent company of the widely popular video-sharing app TikTok. The PIPC stated, "We confirmed DeepSeek communicated with ByteDance," as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
This accusation follows South Korea's recent suspension of new downloads of DeepSeek’s app, citing concerns over its data collection practices. The controversy has escalated, with several South Korean government ministries and agencies blocking internal access to the AI service due to fears over its data management protocols.
Just a month earlier, the PIPC formally requested clarification from DeepSeek regarding its data collection and handling methods. In response, the startup acknowledged gaps in its understanding of South Korean privacy laws and expressed its willingness to cooperate with authorities. To address concerns, DeepSeek also appointed a representative in South Korea.
DeepSeek, known for its innovative and cost-effective AI chatbot, has rapidly gained global attention. In fact, it has outpaced OpenAI’s ChatGPT in some regions, including the United States, despite having far fewer resources. Its sudden rise in popularity has shocked the AI industry, but the ongoing controversy over its data practices now casts a shadow over its future in South Korea and potentially other markets.
South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, will travel to the United States from June 22 to 27 for a new round of high-level discussions aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Saturday.
South Korea on Friday pushed back against U.S. demands to sharply increase its defense budget, saying its current spending is already among the highest relative to GDP for U.S. allies.
South Korea’s new administration proposed $14.7 billion in additional spending on Thursday to boost weak domestic demand, as President Lee Jae Myung pushes economic recovery as his top priority.
North Korea launched over 10 rockets from near Pyongyang on Thursday, prompting fresh concerns in the region.
South Korea, the U.S., and Japan held their first joint air drills since President Lee Jae Myung took office, signalling security cooperation even as Seoul seeks renewed dialogue with North Korea.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan "will never be restored," accusing Islamabad of violating the agreement.
Israeli fighter jets have destroyed three Iranian F-14s in the latest wave of airstrikes targeting central Iran, according to the IDF.
Germany’s federal government spent over 1.2 billion euros on software, licenses and IT services in 2024, more than 25% higher than the previous year.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan "will never be restored," accusing Islamabad of violating the agreement.
Israeli fighter jets have destroyed three Iranian F-14s in the latest wave of airstrikes targeting central Iran, according to the IDF.
UFC Fight Night in Baku is underway at Baku Crystal Hall, with the main card scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM.
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government has dismissed a recent United Nations report on the country’s security, human rights, and economic situation, calling it inaccurate and misleading.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia handed over 21 bodies in a recent exchange—20 of them were Russian soldiers, and one a foreign mercenary.
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan "will never be restored," accusing Islamabad of violating the agreement.
Israeli fighter jets have destroyed three Iranian F-14s in the latest wave of airstrikes targeting central Iran, according to the IDF.
Germany’s federal government spent over 1.2 billion euros on software, licenses and IT services in 2024, more than 25% higher than the previous year.
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