DeepSeek Accused of Sharing User Data with ByteDance

DeepSeek Accused of Sharing User Data with ByteDance

By 24khabartime.com, Technology Reporter

DeepSeek AI Privacy

Watch: DeepSeek Data Privacy Investigation

South Korean authorities have accused the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of sharing user data with ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. The country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) confirmed to Yonhap News Agency that it had identified communication between DeepSeek and ByteDance.

Why This Matters for Online Privacy

In today’s digital world, data privacy and cybersecurity are major concerns. This case highlights the risks of data sharing between tech companies and raises important questions about user data protection. Understanding how companies handle sensitive information can help users make informed decisions about which apps they trust.

Growing Data Security Concerns

Data Security Concerns

DeepSeek's meteoric rise saw it top the App Store rankings in countries like the US, UK, and South Korea, though it has since fallen behind ChatGPT in the UK. In South Korea alone, the app had been downloaded over a million times before being pulled from Apple and Google’s app stores on Saturday. Despite the ban, existing users can still access the service via a web browser.

While South Korea's data regulator confirmed a link between DeepSeek and ByteDance, it has yet to determine the extent of data shared or the specifics of what information may have been transferred.

Critics have long raised concerns about China's National Intelligence Law, which they argue grants the government access to any data collected by Chinese tech companies. However, ByteDance, which is based in Beijing and has a diverse pool of global investors, insists that the law also protects private companies and personal user data.

Fears over data security were a key factor behind the US Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a ban on TikTok. That ban remains on hold until April 5 as former President Donald Trump attempts to negotiate a resolution.

Cybersecurity Findings and Regulatory Response

Cybersecurity Report

Watch: ByteDance and AI Security Concerns

A February 10 report by US cybersecurity firm Security Scorecard suggested that DeepSeek’s Android app had “multiple direct references” to ByteDance services, indicating deep integration with ByteDance’s analytics and monitoring systems. The report warned that user behavior and device metadata were likely being transmitted to ByteDance servers and identified data being sent to domains linked to Chinese state-owned entities.

On Monday, South Korea’s PIPC stated that it had identified third-party data transfers and a lack of transparency in DeepSeek’s privacy policy. The regulator noted that DeepSeek was cooperating with the investigation and had acknowledged failing to comply with South Korean privacy laws. Despite this, officials advised users to “exercise caution and avoid entering personal information into the chatbot.”

How to Protect Your Online Privacy

With growing concerns over data security, users should be mindful of the information they share with AI-powered apps. Here are some best practices to ensure your data remains safe:

Review an app’s privacy policy before use.
Avoid sharing sensitive personal information with AI chatbots.
Use reputable cybersecurity software to monitor data transfers.
Regularly update app permissions to limit data access.

Finding the Right Keywords for SEO

For digital marketers and content creators, understanding the right SEO keywords is essential for ranking on Google and other search engines. When covering topics like AI privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection, consider using high-ranking keywords such as:

AI privacy concerns
Data security and AI
ByteDance user data
DeepSeek privacy policy
Cybersecurity risks
AI-powered apps and privacy
Best AI chatbots 2024
Is DeepSeek safe?

Conclusion

AI Future

Watch: How to Protect Your Data from AI Apps

South Korea has joined countries such as Australia and Taiwan in banning DeepSeek from government devices due to security concerns. As AI technology continues to evolve, ensuring data privacy and security remains a top priority for both users and regulators.

The BBC has reached out to the PIPC, ByteDance, and DeepSeek’s parent company, High Flyer, for further comment.

By staying informed and taking the right precautions, users can better protect their online privacy in an increasingly digital world.

For more updates, visit 24khabartime.com.

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