Chinese Ambassador Highlights South Korea's AI Summit Amid DeepSeek Controversy
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Synopsis
On February 13, Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing referred to a joint AI communique signed by South Korea, China, and other nations during a Paris summit, as Seoul moves to restrict access to China's DeepSeek due to security concerns over data leaks.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing addresses AI concerns.
- South Korea restricts access to DeepSeek.
- Joint AI communique signed at Paris summit.
- Concerns over data leaks from BYD vehicles.
- Commitment to safe AI development emphasized.
Seoul, Feb 13 (NationPress) Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing on Thursday referenced the joint communique regarding artificial intelligence (AI) that was signed by South Korea, China, and other nations during a recent summit in Paris, amidst Seoul's efforts to restrict access to China's AI model DeepSeek due to security apprehensions.
This marked the first public statement from the top envoy to Seoul as South Korea has been implementing measures to limit access to DeepSeek across all governmental agencies, citing the potential for personal and confidential data breaches.
South Korea's intelligence agency has issued a warning to the government, advising caution regarding its use, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
“At the Paris Artificial Intelligence Summit, China, along with South Korea, France, and 60 other countries and international organizations, collectively endorsed the Declaration on the Development of Inclusive and Sustainable AI for the Benefit of Humanity and the Planet,” reflecting a united commitment to the secure, sustainable, and equitable advancement of AI,” Dai stated in a post on the social media platform X.
Dai also remarked that DeepSeek has “ignited worldwide discussions.”
“As a proactive supporter and implementer of global AI governance, China will persist in collaborating with the international community, including South Korea, to fulfill global expectations and cultivate an open, inclusive, beneficial, and non-discriminatory environment for AI development, ensuring it serves the interests of all nations and peoples,” he added.
The attendees at the Paris AI summit ratified the statement at the conclusion of the two-day event on Tuesday (local time). The United States and Britain opted not to endorse the declaration, citing excessive regulations and other justifications.
In the meantime, following the recent entry of China's BYD into South Korea's passenger electric vehicle market, concerns have arisen regarding possible personal data leaks to China through the vehicles produced by the company, as noted by industry analysts.
The security threats associated with private data leaks to China came to light after BYD's official debut in the South Korean passenger vehicle market last month.
BYD's initial model introduced here, the Atto 3, features connected car capabilities, such as over-the-air (OTA) software updates and navigation features, through which sensitive driver data could potentially be transmitted to China, according to market observers.
BYD Korea has addressed these data protection worries, asserting, “We fully acknowledge Korean customers' concerns regarding personal data security and strictly adhere to the Personal Information Protection Act.”
It added that data collected within South Korea is managed locally and not shared with BYD headquarters in China.
