DeepSeek’s app becomes unavailable on Apple’s and Google’s app stores in Italy

DeepSeek's app removed from Italian app stores following data protection concerns.

: DeepSeek's app was removed from Apple and Google app stores in Italy after Italian authorities requested data handling information. The removal followed a complaint by Euroconsumers about DeepSeek's policy of storing user data on Chinese servers. The Italian DPA gave DeepSeek 20 days to respond to their queries. Apple and Google have yet to comment on this development.

DeepSeek's AI app, widely popular and topping download charts in markets like the U.S., has been removed from Apple's and Google's app stores in Italy. This development occurred shortly after Italian authorities sought details on DeepSeek's user data management practices.

A consumer coalition, Euroconsumers, lodged a complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) about how DeepSeek processes personal data. The primary concern stems from DeepSeek's privacy policy, which indicates that user data is stored on servers in China.

The Italian DPA acted promptly, requesting the needed information from DeepSeek with a 20-day response timeframe. This issue also highlights the broader expectation in Europe for services to comply with AI and data protection regulations, even though other watchdogs haven’t specifically named DeepSeek.