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Germany's data protection commission head, Meike Kamp, has issued a standing call for Apple and Google to remove DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup's app, from their German app stores. This request stems from serious apprehensions, all regarding the app's illicit data transfers to China, which is marking a very critical escalation in data privacy and policy scrutiny over DeepSeek's European operations.
Kamp's directive highlights DeepSeek's alleged practice of transmitting user data, including AI program requests and uploaded files, to servers in China without adequate safeguards. She underscored that DeepSeek has failed to substantiate how it safeguards German users' data in China up to EU standards, citing concerns over Chinese authorities' broad access to personal data within their jurisdiction.
The commissioner's move follows DeepSeek's failure to comply with a prior May 2025 request to meet EU data transfer requirements or opt to withdraw its app voluntarily. This development adds to DeepSeek's regulatory woes, with Italy already banning the app earlier this year due to similar transparency issues. Moreover, the Netherlands has restricted its use on government devices, reflecting broader European concerns over data security and privacy .
DeepSeek gained initial prominence in January 2025 for developing a cost-effective AI model rivalling established platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT, as reported by TechCrunch. However, despite its technological strides, the app's data handling practices have faced intense scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic. Notably, allegations of DeepSeek's ties to China's military have prompted U.S. lawmakers to propose banning Chinese AI models in executive agencies, further exacerbating its regulatory challenges.
In response to Kamp's directive, DeepSeek did not provide comments on the commissioner's allegations, while Apple and Google have yet to issue formal statements on the matter. The commissioner's call for action underscores a broader push within Europe to enforce stringent data protection standards, particularly under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which prohibits data transfers outside the EU without adequate safeguards.
Looking ahead, the fate of DeepSeek's app in Europe hinges on the response from Apple and Google, whose compliance with Kamp's demand could effectively lead to an EU-wide ban. Legal experts suggest that while such a ban is feasible, consensus among EU regulators would be crucial in determining its implementation across member states.
The unfolding situation not only poses significant regulatory challenges for DeepSeek but also underscores broader geopolitical tensions surrounding data privacy and the use of AI technologies. As the debate continues, stakeholders await further developments that could reshape the landscape of AI governance and data security in Europe and beyond
