Seoul, South Korea – In a move highlighting growing concerns over data security and the potential misuse of generative AI, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy have blocked access to the Chinese-developed artificial intelligence (AI) platform, DeepSeek. The ban, which took effect on February 5th, restricts access to the platform via government computers with external network connectivity.
According to multiple government sources, the decision to restrict access was made independently by the two ministries. Officials confirmed that attempts to access the DeepSeek website via government computers now result in an access restricted notification.
The move comes amid rising anxieties about DeepSeek’s data collection practices and the potential for sensitive information leaks through the use of generative AI tools. Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy handle a significant amount of classified information related to diplomacy and international trade, making them particularly vulnerable to such risks.
The decision to block access to DeepSeek reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive information, said one government official familiar with the matter. We are committed to mitigating any potential risks associated with the use of AI platforms that may compromise national security or economic interests.
The South Korean government’s action underscores the increasing scrutiny surrounding the development and deployment of AI technologies, particularly those originating from countries with different data privacy standards. As generative AI tools become more sophisticated and widely adopted, governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of balancing innovation with the need to protect sensitive data and national security.
This is not the first instance of governments expressing concern over data security related to foreign AI platforms. Similar concerns have been raised in other countries, leading to increased regulatory oversight and restrictions on the use of certain AI technologies.
The South Korean government’s decision to block DeepSeek is likely to further fuel the debate surrounding the responsible development and deployment of AI, and the need for international cooperation in establishing clear ethical guidelines and data security standards. The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence and risk assessment when adopting new technologies, particularly in sectors dealing with sensitive information.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2025, February 5). South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Industry Ministry Ban DeepSeek Platform. Retrieved from [Original Article URL – Replace with the actual URL if available]
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