German Official Demands Removal of Deepseek App - Apple & Google

Data Privacy Concerns Raised Over Chinese AI App DeepSeek

A data protection official in Germany has formally notified both Apple and Google regarding the DeepSeek AI application. The concern centers around allegations that the app unlawfully transmits user data to China.

Report to Apple and Google

Meike Kamp, the data protection commissioner for Berlin and responsible for freedom of information, communicated with the tech giants. She stated that DeepSeek failed to present adequate proof of data protection measures aligning with EU legal requirements.

According to Kamp, Chinese authorities possess extensive rights of access to personal data held by companies operating within their jurisdiction. Consequently, she has requested that Apple and Google assess the report and determine if the app’s removal is necessary.

Non-Compliance with EU Regulations

Ms. Kamp’s office previously requested that DeepSeek either adhere to EU regulations governing data transfers outside the European Union or withdraw its application from the region. However, the Chinese company reportedly did not fulfill this request.

Previous Action by Italy

Earlier this year, Italy took preemptive action by prohibiting DeepSeek from being listed in app stores within its national territory. This ban was also motivated by similar data protection anxieties.

Key Concerns Regarding DeepSeek

EU consumer privacy advocacy groups have specifically pointed to two crucial aspects of DeepSeek. These include its origin and operational base in China, and the fact that all collected and stored data remains within the country, as outlined in its privacy policy.

No Immediate Response from Tech Companies

As of now, neither Apple nor Google has issued a public statement in response to inquiries regarding this matter.

A clarification has been made to this report to accurately reflect that the report regarding DeepSeek was submitted to the companies by Berlin’s data protection commissioner.