Germany’s data protection authority has formally requested that Apple and Google remove the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their German app stores, citing GDPR violations. Commissioner Meike Kamp stated that DeepSeek has been illegally transferring personal data—including AI prompts and uploaded files—from German users to servers in China, without ensuring privacy standards equivalent to the EU’s.
This measure follows earlier actions in Italy, which blocked the app over concerns about transparency, and the Netherlands, which banned it on government devices . U.S. lawmakers are also considering restrictions preventing federal agencies from using Chinese AI models .
DeepSeek’s rapid rise began in January when it launched a cost-effective AI rival to ChatGPT. However, its privacy policy confirms data is stored in China, where the government has wide-reaching access to corporate user data—raising national security alarm bells.
Analysts warn that Germany’s app-store removal could spark a wider EU-wide ban under GDPR enforcement. The German data commissioner, who gave DeepSeek a May deadline to comply or withdraw, noted that DeepSeek failed to provide sufficient evidence of compliance.
In addition to privacy concerns, investigations have revealed that DeepSeek may be connected to China’s military and intelligence sectors, further complicating its acceptance in Western markets .
📌 Key Takeaways
- Regulatory pressure: German authorities are pushing for removal over illegal data transfers.
- Global trend: Italy, the Netherlands, and the U.S. already imposed restrictions.
- Security alarms: EU laws view China-based data storage as high-risk.
- Potential EU crackdown: Germany’s move could trigger broader bans.
