Germany may remove DeepSeek from app stores

A German data protection official has demanded that Apple and Google remove Chinese AI app DeepSeek from app stores in the country, saying it illegally transmits user data to China, Reuters reports.
Mike Kamp, the data protection and freedom of information commissioner in Berlin, said DeepSeek had failed to provide “convincing evidence” that user data was protected under EU law.
“Chinese authorities have broad rights of access to personal data influenced by Chinese companies,” Kamp said, adding that Apple and Google must now decide whether to possibly remove the app.
Kamp said her office has demanded that DeepSeek either comply with European laws on cross-border data transfers or remove the app from the German market, but the Chinese company has not taken the appropriate steps.
Earlier this year, Italy banned DeepSeek from its app stores for similar data protection reasons.
Two facts have drawn particular attention from human rights groups in the EU: the app is developed and operated from China, and its privacy policy requires that data be collected and stored in that country.
Most of the data protection concerns have been raised by human rights groups in the EU.
The story Germany may remove DeepSeek from app stores was first published on ITZine.ru.