German authorities have taken decisive steps to ban the Chinese AI language model app, Deepseek, from app stores, citing concerns over data privacy. The Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information has officially requested that Apple and Google remove the app, which allegedly forwards European user data to China.
Having already been banned in Italy, Deepseek is now facing scrutiny in Germany for potential violations of data protection laws. The primary issue revolves around the transfer of user data, including chat histories and location data, to China. The company has yet to demonstrate compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates robust data protection measures for transfers outside the EU.
German authorities are concerned that the data transferred could be accessible to Chinese entities, including the government. Despite this, enforcing a fine, which could be up to 4% of Deepseek’s global turnover, poses significant challenges when dealing with a foreign entity.
Previously, Berlin data protection officials had set a deadline for the cessation of these data transfers, which the developers failed to meet. Consequently, the request for app removal is backed by the Digital Services Act. While Apple and Google’s decision is pending, the app remains accessible through web browsers.
