Germany’s data protection commissioner, Meike Kamp, has formally requested that Apple and Google remove the Chinese-developed AI chatbot, DeepSeek, from their respective app stores within the country. This action stems from concerns that DeepSeek is unlawfully transferring German users’ personal data to China, potentially compromising data privacy and security.
DeepSeek, launched in January 2025, quickly gained prominence by offering an AI model comparable to ChatGPT but at a significantly lower cost. Its rapid ascent in the AI landscape has been accompanied by scrutiny regarding its data handling practices. According to its privacy policy, DeepSeek stores user data—including AI interaction requests and uploaded files—on servers located in China. This practice has raised alarms about the adequacy of data protection measures in place.
Commissioner Kamp emphasized that DeepSeek has not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that German users’ data is safeguarded in China to a standard equivalent to that of the European Union. She highlighted the extensive access rights that Chinese authorities have to personal data within the jurisdiction of Chinese companies, further intensifying concerns about potential misuse or unauthorized access.
Prior to this request, in May 2025, Kamp’s office had urged DeepSeek to comply with EU data transfer regulations or to voluntarily withdraw its application from the German market. The company’s failure to respond or take corrective action has led to the current call for removal from app stores.
This move by Germany aligns with actions taken by other nations. Italy previously blocked DeepSeek from its app stores, citing insufficient information regarding the app’s use of personal data. Similarly, the Netherlands has prohibited the use of DeepSeek on government devices due to comparable data security concerns. In the United States, lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban executive agencies from utilizing AI models developed in China, reflecting a broader apprehension about data privacy and national security implications.
The situation underscores the growing global emphasis on data protection and the challenges posed by cross-border data transfers, especially when involving jurisdictions with differing privacy standards. As AI technologies continue to evolve and integrate into daily life, ensuring robust data privacy measures remains a critical priority for regulators worldwide.
