Finance Ministry Blocks Access to DeepSeek Due to Data Concerns

The finance ministry has announced plans to block access to the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) service DeepSeek. This decision, communicated by a ministry official on Thursday, is part of a growing trend in Seoul to restrict the use of the service by government officials. The main concern lies in the data collection practices associated with DeepSeek.

"Due to multiple technical concerns raised about DeepSeek from both domestic and international sources, we plan to block access for the service on PCs connected to external networks," the official stated. This action reflects a broader government initiative aimed at mitigating the risk of critical information leaks through generative AI services like DeepSeek.

Following this announcement, access to DeepSeek was curtailed on computers located within the foreign, trade, and defense ministries in South Korea on Wednesday. These steps demonstrate the government's commitment to safeguarding sensitive data in light of increasing scrutiny over AI service providers.

On the same day, an official from the unification ministry indicated that they too would likely restrict access to AI services, presumably including DeepSeek. Since the beginning of 2023, this ministry has already prohibited the input of sensitive or undisclosed official data into generative AI systems, acting on recommendations from the National Intelligence Service and the interior ministry. When asked directly about access to DeepSeek, the official replied, "We plan to take follow-up measures within the day, including blocking access," without explicitly naming the service.

DeepSeek has garnered considerable interest since its launch last month, with many industry experts praising its performance and affordability compared to other AI options on the market. Despite its positive reception, heightened concerns regarding security, user data management, and privacy have resulted in several countries imposing restrictions on the service.

As the landscape surrounding AI technologies evolves, it is anticipated that more governments will take similar actions to protect their national interests and the privacy of their citizens. This trend underscores the need for enhanced scrutiny of AI services, particularly those involving data handling practices.

Overall, the decision to restrict DeepSeek's access reflects a cautious approach by government bodies as they navigate the complexities of adopting advanced technologies while ensuring the protection of critical information.

AI, Data, Security