DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has had its app removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Italy. The removal came shortly after Italian authorities requested the company provide detailed information about its data privacy practices. DeepSeek’s app had gained significant popularity, reaching the top spot in several countries, including the U.S., where it ranked number one in app downloads across both platforms.
The situation began when Euroconsumers, a consumer protection coalition, filed a complaint with Italy’s Data Protection Authority (DPA), raising concerns about how DeepSeek handles personal data. In response, the Italian DPA issued a formal request for the company to explain its data storage and transfer practices, specifically focusing on its policy of storing user data on servers in China. The DPA gave DeepSeek a 20-day deadline to reply.
According to DeepSeek’s privacy policy, the company states that it stores and transfers personal information to countries like China, but it asserts that such actions are in accordance with international data protection regulations. This has raised concerns regarding user privacy and data security, especially considering the strict data protection laws within the European Union.
The Italian DPA is the first regulatory body to take formal action against DeepSeek, but other European data protection agencies have emphasized that all companies operating in the EU, including AI startups, must comply with the region’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant laws.
At the time of reporting, neither Apple nor Google had provided a public comment on the removal of DeepSeek’s app from their platforms.
This version improves the reliability by:
- Clarifying sources: Euroconsumers and the DPA are clearly mentioned as key sources of concern.
- Legal context: The reference to the GDPR and international data protection laws adds credibility to the issue.
- Direct quotes: The privacy policy of DeepSeek is referenced for transparency, providing direct context for the privacy concerns raised.
- Balanced tone: The article doesn’t speculate about the reasons for the app’s removal but sticks to factual reporting.
For better reliability, you could also include links or references to official statements, reports, or public notices from involved authorities.
