Chinese artificial intelligence app DeepSeek has been removed from Apple and Google app stores in Italy after the country’s data protection authority, the Garante, launched an investigation into its data collection practices. The move comes just a week after DeepSeek became the most downloaded app on Apple’s U.S. App Store, surpassing ChatGPT and raising concerns among tech investors.
Privacy Concerns and GDPR Scrutiny
On Tuesday, the Garante issued a notice to DeepSeek, demanding details about its handling of personal data. The regulator wants to know what data is collected, where it is sourced from, its intended use, the legal basis for processing, and whether it is stored in China. DeepSeek and its affiliated companies have been given 20 days to respond.
Pasquale Stanzione, head of the Garante, stated that the investigation will examine whether DeepSeek complies with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The regulator is particularly concerned about safeguards for minors, potential biases in the AI model, and the risk of electoral interference.
App Removal Sparks Speculation
While DeepSeek remains accessible to users who had already downloaded it, new downloads have been blocked in Italy. Apple’s App Store displays a message stating that the app is “currently not available in the country or area you are in,” while Google’s platform states that the download is “not supported” in Italy.
Stanzione acknowledged that it is unclear whether the app’s removal was a direct response to the Garante’s inquiry. However, the investigation underscores growing European concerns over AI data privacy and regulatory compliance.
International Scrutiny on AI Regulation
DeepSeek’s data practices have also caught the attention of Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, which has requested information about its data processing for Irish users. Despite being a major player in the AI space, DeepSeek has not designated Ireland as its EU headquarters, which would have subjected it to oversight from the Irish regulator.
Meanwhile, in Germany, officials have expressed concerns about AI-driven election interference, particularly in light of the upcoming Bundestag elections on February 23. A spokesperson for Germany’s interior ministry confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring AI applications for potential manipulation and public opinion influence.
Italy’s Crackdown on AI Privacy
Italy has been one of Europe’s most active regulators in AI oversight. In 2023, the Garante briefly banned Microsoft-backed ChatGPT over suspected GDPR violations, forcing OpenAI to implement stricter data protections before resuming operations.
With AI technology evolving rapidly, European regulators are increasingly prioritizing consumer data protection. The ongoing scrutiny of DeepSeek could set a precedent for how AI applications from non-EU countries are regulated within Europe.
What’s Next for DeepSeek?
DeepSeek remains operational in other EU countries and the UK, but the Italian regulator’s probe could lead to wider regulatory action. If found in violation of GDPR, DeepSeek could face fines, operational restrictions, or further app store removals across Europe.
For now, DeepSeek’s rapid rise and sudden regulatory hurdles highlight the growing tension between AI innovation and stringent data privacy laws.