DeepSeek usage ban spreads in South Korea

South Korean government ministries and financial companies are rushing to block access to the artificial intelligence service 'DeepSeek' amid security concerns over leaks of sensitive information. Major commercial banks and securities companies in Korea are blocking access to DeepSeek one after another due to security concerns. They want to weigh the risks of leaks of personal or sensitive information first. 

Most of the central 19 ministries have already blocked it, while others are considering following suit. The measure spread after ministries dealing with foreign policy and trade first took action. Local governments including the Seoul metropolitan government have also blocked access to DeepSeek. Many corporations including Lotte, Korean Air and Coupang have blocked internal access to all kinds of generative AI including ChatGPT.