South Korea Imposes Temporary Ban on DeepSeek; Authorities Caution Against ChatGPT Use on Military Computers

South Korea has recently made headlines by imposing a temporary ban on the AI service DeepSeek due to escalating security concerns. This decision reflects a broader trend among governments wary of potential risks associated with advanced AI technologies, impacting not just DeepSeek but also other platforms like ChatGPT.

Government Restrictions on AI Services

On Tuesday, the South Korean government issued a formal advisory, as reported by Reuters, urging various ministries and agencies to exercise caution when utilizing AI tools such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT, especially on devices handling sensitive information. Following this directive, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power took proactive measures by banning these services earlier this month to safeguard critical operational data.

Military and Diplomatic Actions

The defense ministry joined the initiative shortly after, restricting DeepSeek access on military-grade computers to prevent possible security breaches. Additionally, the foreign ministry implemented access restrictions for devices linked to external networks, underscoring governmental concerns over AI-related vulnerabilities.

Global Context of AI Bans

South Korea’s actions are not isolated; they follow similar steps taken by Australia and Taiwan, who also banned DeepSeek from all government devices this week. Moreover, the platform has been delisted from app stores in Italy, where regulators sought clarification on the company’s compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its privacy protocols.

Implications for DeepSeek’s Future in South Korea

The South Korean authority overseeing information privacy is expected to seek answers from DeepSeek regarding its user data management practices. The resolution of these inquiries will play a significant role in determining whether the ban will be lifted or maintained indefinitely, highlighting the delicate balance between leveraging technological advancements and ensuring data protection.

For more information, visit the original news source: Reuters

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