The growing interest in DeepSeek’s language models extends beyond private users, but in the public sector, national security concerns arise. Due to strained relations between China and South Korea, officials have begun restricting access to DeepSeek for government employees.
As reported by Business Korea, since February 4, the Ministry of Public Administration and Safety has advised government agencies and 17 municipalities to exercise caution when using generative AI, including DeepSeek. By February 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy had blocked access. The Ministry of Economy and Finance followed suit on February 6.
Expanding Restrictions on DeepSeek
Other financial institutions in South Korea have also limited access to DeepSeek. A state-owned bank specializing in international trade blocked the chatbot on January 31. By February 3, commercial banks and financial firms had also ceased working with DeepSeek. One of the first private companies to ban it was KEPCO KPS, which operates the country’s nuclear power plants. South Korean organizations cite concerns over potential data leaks through the Chinese chatbot’s interface.
South Korea is not alone in implementing such restrictions, adds NIX Solutions. The Australian government has prohibited DeepSeek on official devices, while Italy was among the first to remove its app from national app stores. Taiwan has taken similar steps, and Japan, the UK, and the Netherlands are considering comparable actions. We’ll keep you updated as more governments review their policies on DeepSeek.