
The Italian data protection authority, known as Garante, recently blocked the Chinese AI application DeepSeek due to concerns regarding the handling of personal data. This was reported by the news agency Reuters, among others. This measure underlines the growing concern about data protection in AI applications and their potential impact on user privacy.
In a nutshell:
- Blocking of the app: DeepSeek was blocked in Italy due to insufficient information on the use of personal data.
- Requests from the authorities: The Garante requested detailed information on the type of data collected, its sources, purposes of use and the legal basis for its processing.
- DeepSeek’s response: The company stated that it does not operate in Italy and is therefore not subject to European data protection regulations.
- International attention: Other European consumer organizations have also expressed concerns about DeepSeek’s data protection practices.
Background and details
The Garante has requested DeepSeek to provide detailed information about the personal data collected, its sources, purposes of use, the legal basis for its processing and storage in China.
Despite DeepSeek’s claim that it does not operate in Italy and is therefore not subject to European data protection regulations, the Garante launched an investigation and temporarily blocked the app in order to protect the data of Italian users.
In addition to the measures taken by the Italian authorities, other European consumer organizations, including the Spanish OCU, the Italian Altroconsumo, the Portuguese Deco Proteste and the Belgian Test Achats, have also filed complaints against DeepSeek.
They accuse the company of violating the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in particular with regard to the international transfer of personal data, obtaining appropriate consent from users and age verification for minors.
Reactions and consequences
DeepSeek has responded to the allegations by stating that it does not operate in Italy and is therefore not subject to European data protection regulations. Nevertheless, the Garante has launched an investigation and temporarily blocked the app in order to protect the data of Italian users.
The blocking of DeepSeek in Italy has also attracted attention in other European countries. Consumer organizations in Spain, Portugal and Belgium have also filed complaints against the app and are calling for investigations into the company’s data protection practices.
Conclusion
The measures taken by the Italian data protection authority against DeepSeek underline the importance of protecting personal data in the digital era. Users should be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of AI applications, especially if they originate from countries with different data protection standards. It remains to be seen how the situation develops and what steps other European countries will take in relation to DeepSeek.