DeepSeek blocked from some app stores in Italy over data use concerns
The Chinese AI platform, DeepSeek, has been removed from some app stores in Italy following inquiries from regulators in Rome and Ireland about its data handling practices. Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of data collected by the chatbot by the Chinese government. Users in Italy have reported that the app is unavailable on both Apple and Google app stores, though some have noted its availability on Apple’s platform. Both companies have been contacted for comments regarding this issue.
The Italian data protection authority, the Garante, has requested detailed information from DeepSeek regarding the personal data it collects, its sources, purposes, legal basis, and whether the data is stored in China. DeepSeek has been given 20 days to respond. Pasquale Stanzione, the head of the Italian data regulator, announced an investigation to ensure compliance with GDPR regulations. Similarly, the Irish Data Protection Commission has reached out to DeepSeek for information on data processing related to Irish citizens.
DeepSeek quickly became a popular app in the US and UK, offering performance comparable to competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT at a lower cost. However, its privacy policy indicates that user data is stored on secure servers in China, raising concerns due to China’s national intelligence law, which requires cooperation with national intelligence efforts. The UK government advises citizens to use the app at their discretion, with officials closely monitoring any potential national security threats.
In addition, OpenAI has expressed concerns that DeepSeek may have improperly replicated its models through a process known as distillation. OpenAI is taking measures to protect its technology and is working with the US government to safeguard its advanced AI models. The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding data privacy and the protection of AI technology.
Source: DeepSeek blocked from some app stores in Italy amid questions on data use
