- As a result of digitization, the use of applications and software, which inevitably collect data, has become common.
- A popular AI app was discovered collecting more data than needed
- The collection of personal data, is a widespread practice in most applications provided by companies around the world
Now that digital connectivity has necessarily become an integral part of everyday life, the reality of many applications becomes increasingly clear: they are designed primarily to accumulate our personal data, not to serve our interests, but to exploit us for profit. This is demonstrated by the growing awareness of the misuse of personal data worldwide.
South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) published, after a thorough investigation, that flagrant violations of privacy laws were discovered by DeepSeek, a popular app that had been operating within South Korea's borders.
The findings revealed that DeepSeek was engaging in invasive data collection practices, collecting user information far beyond what was needed for its functionality. In response, the PIPC suspended DeepSeek's operations in South Korea.
Data-leaking AI applications
DeepSeek shared user data with companies in China and the United States without obtaining explicit consent or disclosing the practice in its privacy policy. The commission ordered DeepSeek to destroy illegally transferred data and establish legal safeguards for future cross-border exchange.
The app transferred personal information, including user inputs and device details, to a Beijing-based cloud service provider without users' authorization.
The incident is related to a broader problem with AI tools developed by Chinese companies: their potential to serve as vehicles for state-backed surveillance or intelligence gathering. For South Korea, the leak of personal and communications data could directly compromise national security.
Chinese technology companies prioritize compliance with CCP directives over user privacy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun insisted that the CCP "has not and would never order" illegal data collection.
The DeepSeek controversy has intensified calls for tighter monitoring of AI tools. Experts warn that the solution is not the total rejection of AI tools, but rigorous scrutiny of their data policies and geographical boundaries.
Most applications usually collect data
This case is not an isolated incident; echoes longstanding fears about the exploitation of data by companies, such as ByteDance, related to TikTok's flagship company.
For years, concerns have skyrocketed about how platforms collect large amounts of user data - ranging from browsing habits and location data to personal identifiers - and then potentially share or sell this information to third parties, without the user's explicit consent.
Despite claims of benign purposes such as targeted advertising or content optimization, reality proves that the goal is not so simple. Personal data is a commodity, an asset that companies exploit to maximize profits.
Many digital companies around the world have been scrutinized for their data collection practices and alleged links to government entities, fueling fears that user data could be used for surveillance, manipulation or even political influence.
Private data is a valuable resource, in many other cases apps are willing to do almost anything to capture it - regardless of privacy and security. This underlines the need for rigorous regulatory oversight, transparent data practices and informed consumer choices.
DeepSeek was transferring personal information
