As the Chinese generative artificial intelligence (AI) DeepSeek has stirred controversy over excessive personal information collection, government agencies are taking substantial steps to block access, and domestic retail conglomerates are joining this initiative.
On the 6th, the retail industry reported that Shinsegae Group first notified employees that it would maintain "a complete block on DeepSeek."
Shinsegae Group has traditionally restricted access to generative AI and online platforms to prevent the leakage of sensitive internal information.
However, exceptions had been allowed only if work-related connections were confirmed. With this notice, it has been officially established that there will be no exceptions regarding DeepSeek.
Lotte Group has also decided to restrict direct access to generative AI platforms such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT for the protection of internal information.
Employees can use various AI programs that have completed technical assessments without worrying about information leakage through the AI platform "iMember," developed in-house by LOTTE Innovate.
Coupang has not only blocked access to DeepSeek but also to ChatGPT entirely. It is reported that, recently, access to Microsoft AI Copilot has been allowed for certain departments.
The Korea Consumer Agency has also prohibited its employees from accessing DeepSeek.
The industry is expected to follow suit with the ongoing access blocking measures against DeepSeek by major domestic retailers.