Tue, 18 Feb 2025

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 DeepSeek 'shared user data' with TikTok owner ByteDance

South Korea's data protection regulator says user data was sent to the Chinese owner of TikTok.
South Korea's data protection regulator has confirmed that Chinese AI startup DeepSeek was sharing user data with ByteDance, the owner of TikTok in China. This follows concerns over data protection and a decision to remove DeepSeek from app stores last weekend. The regulator stated that while they found evidence of communication between DeepSeek and ByteDance, they were yet to confirm what specific data was transferred. Existing users can still access the app through a web browser, but critics are warning of potential risks due to China's National Intelligence Law, which allows the government to access data from Chinese companies. However, others argue that this law also protects private companies and personal data. A cybersecurity company had previously raised concerns over potential data sharing between DeepSeek and ByteDance in February. The US Supreme Court had also upheld a ban on TikTok due to similar fears of user data being sent to China. The South Korean regulator has advised users to exercise caution when using the app, particularly when entering personal information into the chatbot. The country has already banned DeepSeek from government devices, following similar moves by Australia and Taiwan. DeepSeek's parent company High Flyer and ByteDance have been contacted for comment, but no response has been received yet.
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