BMW announces DeepSeek integration in new models amid privacy concerns

As concerns over DeepSeek’s risk to global security rise, BMW said it will be implementing the artificial intelligence open-sourced large language model into its new models in China later this year. The announcement came from the German automaker’s CEO Oliver Zipse at the Shanghai auto show on Wednesday, April 23.

What is BMW saying?

“Key advances in AI are happening here. We are strengthening AI partnerships for integration in our vehicles in China,” Zipse said. “Starting later this year we will integrate AI integration from DeepSeek in our new vehicles in China.”

Zipse also said, “This will enhance our Intelligent Personal Assistant with DeepSeek functionally. It will also complement our existing AI capabilities and enable access to information that goes well beyond the vehicle itself.”

Zipse did not go into specifics on how the technology will be employed.

What are the latest concerns?

The announcement comes as an investigation by South Korea found DeepSeek shared local user data with Chinese and U.S. companies without permission or knowledge.

Seoul authorities say that in one specific instance, DeepSeek transferred data from user-written AI prompts, in addition to information within the device used. The information was then reportedly transferred to a cloud service platform known as Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co.

What else did the investigation uncover?

The South Korean agency in charge of the investigation said that while Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co. is labeled as “an affiliate” of TikTok parent company ByteDance, the agency points out the company “is a separate legal entity and has no relation to ByteDance.”

According to investigators in the now public report, DeepSeek claims Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co. is used to enhance safeguards and improve experiences for customers. However, DeepSeek has reportedly now stopped the transfer of AI prompt data.

Who has responded to the report?

DeepSeek and ByteDance have yet to respond to the report.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs tells the Global Times that it does not have direct knowledge of the matter. A spokesperson for the ministry, however, noted that China understands the importance of data privacy and security and is serious about upholding legal protections for personal information.

What spurred the probe?

Seoul’s data protection authority released the findings of the probe on Thursday, April 24, linked to a review of the AI startup company’s privacy and security.

The move follows DeepSeek’s termination of its chatbot app from South Korean app stores earlier in 2025, as advised by South Korean government officials. Seoul officials say DeepSeek is promising to cooperate in addressing concerns over user privacy and data sharing in relation to the matter.

Following the authority’s announcement, it appeared to suggest that the DeepSeek app would once again be available after the company employed the necessary updates to align with Seoul’s data security policy.

What is DeepSeek and why is it raising concerns?

As Straight Arrow News previously reported, DeepSeek saw a dramatic uptick in popularity following its launch in January, while its creator says they developed it at a fraction of the cost, with less advanced framework than larger companies.

The app’s growing popularity is also prompting national security concerns over Beijing’s mandate that its homegrown firms share data with the Chinese government. Cybersecurity officials have also warned about DeepSeek’s privacy policy.

What is being done about the problem?

On Thursday, South Korean officials said that they are working with DeepSeek to remedy the situation, and have requested it immediately dismantle AI prompt information sharing at the center of the report, as well as set up legal safeguards for sending personal data to other countries.

The investigation comes after South Korea banned government employees from using DeepSeek on work-related devices. The U.S., Australia and Taiwan have also reportedly implemented similar measures.