Italian Data Protection Authority’s Intervention

The Chinese artificial intelligence application, DeepSeek, has been removed from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in Italy following actions by the country’s Data Protection Authority, known as the Garante. The Garante expressed concerns over DeepSeek’s handling of personal data and initiated an investigation to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. 

Concerns Over Data Handling Practices

The Garante sought detailed information from DeepSeek regarding the types of personal data collected, their sources, processing purposes, legal bases, and storage locations. Particularly, the authority questioned whether user data was stored on servers located in China and the legal implications thereof. The Garante emphasized the potential high risk for the data of millions of people in Italy, prompting the need for immediate action. 

DeepSeek’s Response and App Store Removal

In response to the Garante’s inquiries, the companies behind DeepSeek—Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence—provided information that the authority deemed insufficient. Consequently, the Garante issued an immediate order to block the app in Italy and launched a formal investigation into its data processing activities. Following this directive, DeepSeek became unavailable on both Apple and Google’s app stores in Italy. 

International Implications and Ongoing Investigations

The situation with DeepSeek has garnered international attention, with other countries expressing similar concerns about data privacy. For instance, the Irish Data Protection Commission has also sought information from DeepSeek regarding its data handling practices, reflecting a broader apprehension about the application’s compliance with European data protection standards. 

As the investigation progresses, the Garante has provided DeepSeek with a 20-day period to respond to its inquiries comprehensively. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the operation of AI applications within the European Union, particularly concerning adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

What are your thoughts on the removal of DeepSeek from app stores in Italy? Do you believe this action is justified in light of data privacy concerns? Share your insights in the comments below!

About the Author

Cardinal Westers is a published journalist for GMDegens.io, specializing in technology and data privacy issues.

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