Seoul: The Ministry of Environment and several other government agencies have initiated measures to block access to the Chinese AI service DeepSeek due to concerns regarding user data collection. The decision was made effective from 9 a.m. on Thursday, specifically targeting DeepSeek while allowing continued access to other generative AI services like OpenAI and ChatGPT.

According to Yonhap News Agency, intelligence authorities have advised caution in using DeepSeek because the specifics of its personal information collection system remain unclear. In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Environment blocked access to the AI platform from its internet-connected PCs. Similarly, the Board of Audit and Inspection, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, and the Ministry of Government Legislation took parallel actions, citing fears of potential personal data exposure to the Chinese service.

The education ministry also joined the effort by banning DeepSeek, extending the restriction to kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools. However, universities are permitted to continue using the AI platform for educational and research purposes, with a strong advisory for users to remain vigilant about security issues.

Following a directive from the interior ministry on Tuesday, which urged caution in using generative AIs, various other ministries, including foreign, trade, defense, and finance, have also restricted access to DeepSeek. The coordinated efforts reflect a broader concern and precautionary stance towards the AI service and its data handling practices.