Following a request for details on user data management from Italian officials, the app developed by the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has been removed from both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.
This app had surged to the top of download rankings in various countries, notably clinching the number one spot for most downloaded apps in the U.S. on both platforms.
A consumer advocacy group named Euroconsumers has lodged a complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) regarding how DeepSeek handles personal data. Today, authorities announced that they contacted DeepSeek requesting information, with a deadline of 20 days for a response.
The primary concern arises from DeepSeek’s privacy policy, which indicates that user information is stored on servers situated in China.
“If we transfer any personal information outside of your country, including for one or more of the purposes outlined in this Policy, we will do so in compliance with applicable data protection laws,” states the policy.
While the Italian DPA was the first to formally scrutinize DeepSeek’s privacy policy, other regulatory bodies across Europe have indicated that all services must adhere to the region’s AI and data protection regulations, although they did not explicitly reference DeepSeek.
Apple and Google have yet to release an immediate statement regarding this development.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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