South Korea Accuses DeepSeek of Data Sharing with ByteDance

South Korea has removed the DeepSeek AI app from its app stores due to concerns over user data sharing with ByteDance, TikTok's parent company. The South Korean data protection regulator confirmed communications between DeepSeek and ByteDance, raising alarms about potential data privacy violations under local laws. DeepSeek, which emerged as a powerful and cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT, has faced scrutiny for its data collection practices, including storing user data on servers in China. Experts warn that its data collection methods could pose significant security risks, potentially even greater than those associated with TikTok. In response to the regulator's inquiries, DeepSeek acknowledged shortcomings in adhering to South Korean data protection laws and committed to cooperating fully. As the app's popularity surged, concerns about its implications for national security have led to bans and restrictions in multiple countries worldwide.