Seoul/Sejong, February 5th – In a move highlighting growing concerns over data security and the potential misuse of artificial intelligence, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy have jointly blocked access to the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek.
The decision, effective February 5th, restricts access to DeepSeek (深度求索), a large-scale AI model developed in China, from government computers with external network connections. This action follows increasing scrutiny over DeepSeek’s data collection practices and potential vulnerabilities.
According to multiple government sources, each ministry independently decided to implement the restrictions. A Defense Ministry official confirmed to Yonhap News Agency that the ban specifically targets networked computers used for military operations, citing technical concerns surrounding the platform. Another official stated that attempts to access the DeepSeek website from government computers now result in an access restricted notification.
The move underscores the South Korean government’s apprehension regarding the potential for generative AI tools to be exploited for malicious purposes, particularly the excessive collection of user data. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the risks associated with the use of such platforms within sensitive government sectors.
The blocking of DeepSeek reflects a broader trend of heightened vigilance surrounding data security and cross-border data flows, especially in the context of rapidly advancing AI technologies. As AI models become increasingly sophisticated and capable, governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of balancing innovation with the need to safeguard national security and protect citizen data.
The South Korean government’s decision to block DeepSeek is likely to fuel further debate on the regulation and oversight of AI platforms, particularly those originating from countries with differing data privacy standards. It also highlights the growing importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for continuous monitoring of potential threats posed by advanced technologies. Future developments will likely focus on establishing clear guidelines and protocols for the use of AI within government institutions and critical infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed responsibly and securely.
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