Italian regulators have blocked access to DeepSeek, the Chinese AI chatbot application, on both Apple and Google app stores amid growing concerns over user data privacy and security.
Users in Italy attempting to download DeepSeek are now met with messages indicating the app is "currently not available" or "not supported" in their region. The removal comes as Italy's Data Protection Agency (Garante) launched an investigation into DeepSeek's data handling practices.
The Garante has given DeepSeek's parent companies 20 days to provide detailed information about their data collection methods, storage locations, and legal basis for processing user information. Of particular concern is whether user data is being stored on servers in China.
The privacy watchdog's head, Pasquale Stanzione, announced plans for an in-depth investigation to verify compliance with European Union GDPR regulations. Ireland's Data Protection Commission has also requested information about how DeepSeek processes Irish users' data.
DeepSeek recently gained prominence after becoming the top downloaded free app in several countries, offering AI capabilities comparable to competitors like ChatGPT at lower costs. However, its privacy policy states that user information is stored on servers in China, raising concerns given Chinese laws requiring companies to cooperate with national intelligence efforts.
While new users in Italy cannot download the app, existing users who previously installed DeepSeek can continue using it. The app remains available in other European countries and the UK as authorities monitor the situation.
This is not the first time Italian regulators have taken action against AI companies over privacy concerns. In 2023, the Garante temporarily blocked ChatGPT and later fined OpenAI 15 million euros over data protection issues.