(KPL/Yonhap) Republic of Korea has yet to decide on the timeframe for the resumption of the local service of China's DeepSeek artificial intelligence (AI) after its suspension last month due to concerns over its data management, a senior Seoul official said Thursday.

The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) temporarily suspended new downloads of the Chinese AI app from Feb. 15, citing concerns about its data collection practices. The commission said the service will be resumed after "improvements and remedies" are made in line with Republic of Korea's personal information protection laws.

Authorities have recently received a message from DeepSeek that it will regard Republic of Korea as an important market and make efforts to abide by the local Personal Information Protection Act, PIPC Chairperson Ko Hak-soo said in a press conference.

Asked when the government will allow DeepSeek to resume its service here, Ko said, "There is no exact timeline for the resumption. Working level officials from both sides are in talks to reach a satisfactory agreement."

In January, the commission sent a formal inquiry to DeepSeek seeking clarification on the service's data collection and management methods.

According to officials, DeepSeek assigned a representative in Republic of Korea late last month after the suspension and has acknowledged shortcomings in considering local laws while also expressing its will to actively cooperate with the commission.

KPL