Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek has temporarily stopped downloads of its chatbot applications in South Korea as it collaborates with local regulators to resolve privacy concerns, officials confirmed Monday, according to AP and domestic media.

The emerging AI company withdrew its apps from South Korean versions of Apple’s App Store and Google Play on Saturday night. This decision was made in coordination with the country’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), which is working with DeepSeek to strengthen privacy measures before a potential relaunch, Variety reports.

Existing mobile users and desktop clients remain unaffected by the suspension. However, Nam Seok, head of the commission’s investigative division, advised South Korean users to delete the app and refrain from sharing personal data until the privacy concerns are resolved.

Several South Korean government agencies and corporations have already restricted access to DeepSeek, citing apprehensions over how the AI model collects and processes user data.

The commission, which initiated its probe into DeepSeek last month, identified shortcomings in the company's transparency regarding third-party data sharing and its potentially excessive collection of personal information, Nam stated.

“During the service suspension period, we will closely examine the DeepSeek AI model’s personal data processing to ensure better compliance with the country’s privacy law and address concerns about data privacy,” said Choi Jang-hyuk, PIPC vice chair, during a press conference.

Although exact user numbers are unclear, market analysis firm Wiseapp Retail estimated that DeepSeek had around 1.2 million South Korean smartphone users in late January, making it the country’s second most popular AI platform after ChatGPT, according to AP.

DeepSeek’s global presence is shrinking as an increasing number of governments impose restrictions on the AI platform due to privacy and security concerns. Italy’s Data Protection Authority was among the first to block the app, citing insufficient transparency regarding data collection and storage. In the U.S., New York State has prohibited DeepSeek on government devices, while a bipartisan bill seeks a broader federal ban. Australia has also restricted the AI from all government systems, with major banks and telecom firms tightening security measures. Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has followed suit, citing national security risks.

Earlier this month, Chinese authorities addressed these growing concerns. “The Chinese government attaches great importance to data privacy and security and protects it in accordance with the law. We have never asked and will never ask any company or individual to collect or store data against laws,” a foreign ministry spokesperson said. “China has all along opposed moves to overstretch the concept of national security or politicize trade and tech issues. We will firmly protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.”