Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

In response to a question regarding South Korea's claim that DeepSeek transfers user data abroad without user consent, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that he was not aware of the specific situation mentioned by the reporter. However, he said he must emphasize that the Chinese government places high importance on data privacy and security and strictly upholds legal safeguards in this regard. 

South Korea's data protection authority said on Thursday that DeepSeek transferred user information and prompts without permission when the service was still available for download in the country's app market, Reuters reported. 

"We have never — and will never — require companies or individuals to collect or store data through illegal means," Guo stated.

He noted that China consistently opposes the overstretching of national security concepts and the politicization of economic, trade, and technological issues. He emphasized that China will resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises.

Global Times