Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/29/deepseek-blocked-some-app-stores-italy-questions-data-use
Source: Data and computer security | The Guardian
Title: DeepSeek blocked from some app stores in Italy amid questions on data use
Feedly Summary: Italian and Irish regulators want answers on how data harvested by chatbot could be used by Chinese governmentThe Chinese AI platform DeepSeek has become unavailable for download from some app stores in Italy as regulators in Rome and in Ireland demanded answers from the company about its handling of citizens’ data.Amid growing concern on Wednesday about how data harvested by the new chatbot could be used by the Chinese government, the app disappeared from the Apple and Google app stores in Italy with customers seeing messages that said it was “currently not available in the country or area you are in” for Apple and the download “was not supported” for Google, Reuters reported. Continue reading…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text highlights the concerns related to the availability and data privacy practices of the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek, which has faced scrutiny from European regulators seeking to understand its data handling processes. Notably, this situation underscores the tension between AI innovation and regulatory compliance, particularly in light of data privacy laws such as GDPR.
Detailed Description:
– DeepSeek, a Chinese AI platform, has become unavailable for download in some app stores in Italy due to regulatory actions demanding clarifications about its data practices.
– The Italian data protection authority, Garante, is investigating the app’s compliance with GDPR and has required DeepSeek to provide detailed information on data collection and storing practices, notably emphasizing whether data is kept in China.
– The situation is exacerbated by concerns regarding the Chinese government’s access to data harvested by the chatbot, in light of China’s national intelligence law, which mandates cooperation with intelligence efforts.
– The platform’s swift popularity in regions like the US and UK—where it reportedly outperformed competitors like ChatGPT—raises issues of data handling transparency amid concerns over national security.
– Further complications arose when OpenAI indicated possible unauthorized use of its models by DeepSeek, highlighting potential issues of intellectual property theft and the replication of advanced AI technologies.
Key Points:
– Regulatory scrutiny regarding DeepSeek stems from broader concerns around data privacy and compliance with GDPR.
– The platform’s storage of user information in China is alarming to EU regulators, particularly considering national security laws that may compel data sharing with the Chinese government.
– The situation reflects ongoing challenges in balancing AI development with adherence to privacy laws, and the implications this may have for users’ data security in the global market of AI applications.