Seoul: South Korean ministries responsible for foreign affairs, trade, and defense have taken decisive action by blocking access to DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence system, due to concerns over potential data leaks to China.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this measure has been reported by several major Korean-language dailies, highlighting a growing apprehension regarding data security and foreign influence within the country.
The Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that the blockage comes amid heightened scrutiny over possible vulnerabilities in data handling, particularly concerning sensitive information. The move has been mirrored in reports from other prominent newspapers like Seoul Shinmun and Chosun Ilbo, emphasizing a unified stance among these ministries to safeguard national security interests from external threats.
JoongAng Ilbo further noted that the blockade also extends to domestic tech giant Kakao, which has issued an internal ban on utilizing DeepSeek. This reflects a broader cautionary approach in the South Korean tech industry against integration with potentially risky foreign technologies.
In related news, the Kookmin Daily highlighted an economic angle, reporting a significant trade deficit in online shopping, attributed to the influx of Chinese e-commerce platforms in the South Korean market. This economic concern adds another layer to the complexities of South Korea’s interactions with Chinese enterprises.
This development, as detailed across various newspapers, underscores a significant step in South Korea’s policy-making, aiming to protect its digital sovereignty and economic interests amidst evolving geopolitical and technological challenges.