DeepSeek’s App Disappears from Apple and Google Stores in Italy
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Loading... - Bert Cooper
- 30 Jan 2025
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DeepSeek’s app has been removed from both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in Italy following concerns raised by regulators regarding its data privacy practices. This action comes just hours after Italian authorities requested detailed information on how the Chinese AI startup manages user data.
The app, which has gained popularity worldwide and currently holds the number one spot in the U.S. on both app stores, is no longer available for download in Italy. The removal follows a complaint filed by the consumer group Euroconsumers with Italy’s data protection authority (DPA), questioning DeepSeek’s handling of personal data. In response to the complaint, the DPA formally requested the company to provide more information, setting a 20-day deadline for a reply.
The primary concern revolves around DeepSeek’s privacy policy, which indicates that user data may be stored on servers located in China. The policy states: “Where we transfer any personal information out of the country where you live, including for one or more of the purposes as set out in this Policy, we will do so in accordance with the requirements of applicable data protection laws.” This clause has raised alarms among regulators, particularly in light of Europe’s stringent data protection regulations.
While the Italian DPA is the first regulatory body to take formal action against DeepSeek, other European authorities have previously warned that AI services must comply with the region’s strict data protection laws. However, these authorities have not specifically mentioned DeepSeek in their warnings. The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny that AI applications are facing in Europe, particularly regarding user privacy and data management.
As of now, neither Apple nor Google has provided any comments regarding the removal of DeepSeek’s app from their platforms in Italy. It remains unclear whether the app’s removal was a direct result of regulatory pressure or if DeepSeek chose to take it down voluntarily. The lack of communication from the tech giants adds to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
The disappearance of DeepSeek’s app from major app stores in Italy underscores the growing concerns over data privacy and the regulatory landscape for AI applications in Europe. As authorities continue to scrutinize how companies handle user data, the outcome of DeepSeek’s situation may set a precedent for other AI services operating in the region. For users and developers alike, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and compliance with data protection laws in an increasingly digital world.
