DeepSeek app store ban: The data protection commissioner of Germany has urged Apple and Google to take down the DeepSeek app in their app stores because of the grave privacy issues. The move comes after accusations that the Chinese AI company is illegally transferring data. This has posed a big question mark on the privacy and security of users. DeepSeek was banned in the app store because it disregarded EU laws and transferred personal user information to Chinese servers.
Commissioner Meike Kamp said Friday that she had formally sought the app’s withdrawal. She indicated that DeepSeek had violated GDPR guidelines when moving data outside the EU. Kamp claimed that DeepSeek had not demonstrated that it protected user data in China as it did in the EU.
DeepSeek Under International Investigation of Data Transfers
The privacy policy of DeepSeek states that the company stores personal user data, such as uploaded files and AI-generated queries, on servers in China. Kamp states that Chinese officials have extensive powers to obtain information stored by businesses in their territory, posing a serious threat to the privacy of German users.
DeepSeek failed to comply with the deadline of May to comply with EU data protection standards or voluntarily withdraw its app. Google & Aplple did not immediately provide comments, and DeepSeek failed to respond.
In January, DeepSeek hit the news with the announcement of the release of an AI model that could compete with the best US technologies, such as ChatGPT, but at a lower price. Nevertheless, Europe and the United States have put the company under scrutiny because of its data management activities.
Italy has already removed the DeepSeek app out of its stores due to the lack of transparency regarding the use of personal data. The Netherlands has banned its use on government devices. In the meantime, US legislators are drafting a bill that would limit the application of Chinese-made AI in executive agencies.
Reuters revealed that DeepSeek is also assisting the Chinese military and intelligence activities- further fuelling the international suspicion of the startup.
