The suspension followed an investigation by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), which concluded that DeepSeek had transferred user data and prompts to external servers without obtaining proper consent. These findings stemmed from the AI tool’s initial launch in the country earlier this year.
In response to regulatory concerns, DeepSeek has updated its privacy policies to align more closely with South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act. The company now explicitly states that it processes users' personal information in compliance with local laws. Importantly, users are given the choice to refuse the sharing of their personal data with affiliated companies based in China and the United States — a move seen as a step toward greater transparency and user control.
Although DeepSeek has not issued a formal public statement regarding its reinstatement, the PIPC confirmed that the company independently opted to resume offering the app after addressing several of the agency’s recommendations. While the regulator emphasized that DeepSeek is free to distribute its service under current regulations, it also indicated that continued monitoring would ensure compliance with South Korea's strict privacy standards.
The reinstatement of DeepSeek comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign tech firms operating in South Korea, particularly around how user information is handled and shared across borders. As digital privacy remains a sensitive issue for South Korean consumers, DeepSeek’s case highlights the growing importance of robust data governance for international platforms hoping to maintain access to the market.