Italy’s data protection authority, known as the Garante, has taken decisive action against the Chinese artificial intelligence application DeepSeek due to concerns over user data privacy. The Garante announced on January 30, 2025, that it had blocked DeepSeek from processing the personal data of Italian users and initiated an investigation into the companies behind the chatbot.
Regulatory Actions and Investigations
The Garante’s decision followed unsatisfactory responses from DeepSeek regarding its data collection and storage practices. The authority had previously requested detailed information on the types of personal data collected, their sources, purposes, legal basis for collection, and whether the data was stored in China. DeepSeek’s replies were deemed “completely insufficient,” prompting the immediate restriction and the launch of a formal investigation.
Impact on App Availability
As a result of the Garante’s actions, DeepSeek became inaccessible on major app stores in Italy, including those operated by Apple and Google. This move underscores the authority’s commitment to safeguarding user data and enforcing compliance with European data protection regulations.
Broader Implications
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has recently gained significant attention for its advanced chatbot, developed at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. However, its rapid ascent has raised concerns among global regulators. In the United States, officials are evaluating the national security implications of the app, reflecting broader apprehensions about data privacy and the potential for foreign influence operations.
This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by AI applications concerning data privacy and the importance of transparent data handling practices in compliance with international regulations.
