South Korea blocks downloads of DeepSeek from local app stores
TechCrunchFEB 20
South Korea Removes DeepSeek From App Stores
Above: Photo illustration shows screens displaying web pages of the Chinese AI DeepSeek as authorities in South Korea said on Feb. 17, 2025, that DeepSeek would not be available from local app stores pending a review of its handling of user data. Image copyright: Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
It's well-known that Beijing requires Chinese companies operating overseas to comply with local laws and regulations at all times. And yet, some countries continue to politicize trade and technology issues involving Chinese companies as security concerns. DeepSeek's suspension in South Korea is simply unfair.
Anti-China narrative
The removal of DeepSeek's chatbot app from South Korean app stores was necessary to protect user privacy, so much so that even DeepSeek has acknowledged data protection issues. Beijing wants to paint a picture of tech issues being politicized, but Seoul has merely requested DeepSeek implement improvements to better protect data.