DeepSeek app removed from app stores in Italy amid data privacy concerns

The popular Chinese AI app DeepSeek has disappeared from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Italy. This move comes just hours after the Italian authorities launched an inquiry into the company’s data handling practices, raising concerns over its compliance with local privacy regulations.

DeepSeek, which has been rapidly climbing the charts in various countries, including securing the number one position on both app stores in the U.S., has now found itself in the crosshairs of European regulators. The app has gained immense popularity globally, primarily for its AI-driven chatbot capabilities, drawing millions of downloads. However, a growing privacy dispute has led to its removal in Italy, where user data practices have come under scrutiny.

The Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) initiated an investigation after a consumer group, Euroconsumers, filed a formal complaint. The complaint highlights potential risks regarding DeepSeek’s management of personal data, particularly its storage of user information on servers located in China. This raised alarm over whether the company’s practices are in violation of the stringent European data protection laws.

DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that personal data is transferred internationally, including to China, but assures users that this is done in accordance with applicable laws. However, this may not sit well with regulators in the European Union, where rules around data security and privacy are among the strictest globally.

While the Italian DPA has been the first to raise official concerns, other European data watchdogs have hinted that services operating in the region must comply with AI and privacy regulations, though DeepSeek was not explicitly mentioned. With the current situation, DeepSeek faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and clarify how it safeguards user data.

As the investigation continues, the absence of DeepSeek from Italy’s app stores adds to the ongoing debate about data privacy in the age of AI. The company now faces a deadline to respond to the Italian authorities, which could potentially influence its operations across the EU in the coming months.