DeepSeek reveals loophole in Japan's personal data safeguards

Chinese AI app not clearly aimed at Japanese users, limiting law's reach

The Japanese government has stressed that data collected by DeepSeek is stored in China and subject to Chinese law. © AP

KOHEI SAKAI

February 14, 2025 06:27 JST

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is running into limits in how to deal with security concerns presented by Chinese startup DeepSeek's generative artificial intelligence services, which may fall into a gap in Japan's personal data protection laws.

The latest DeepSeek model announced last month has generated buzz over its implications for AI development, but also alarm about a lack of protections for personal information and the potential for misuse of data. The Japanese government has warned agencies about using the service for official business.