ROME, Jan 29, 2025 — Italy’s data protection authority, the Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali, has ordered the immediate removal of the AI-powered personal assistant app DeepSeek from Apple’s App Store and Google Play, citing “serious risks to user privacy and data security.” The decision, announced Monday, follows a months-long investigation into the app’s data collection practices and marks the latest clash between European regulators and tech companies over privacy compliance.
The Garante stated that DeepSeek, developed by a China-based tech firm of the same name, failed to adequately inform users about how their data—including location details, contact lists, and browsing history—is collected, stored, and shared with third parties. Regulators also raised concerns about the app’s use of artificial intelligence to analyze personal information without explicit consent.
“The app’s opaque data collection mechanisms pose a significant risk to user privacy, particularly for minors,” said a spokesperson for the Garante. “Until DeepSeek can demonstrate compliance with EU data protection laws, it will remain unavailable in Italy.”
According to Reuters, the app, which boasts over 500,000 active users in Italy alone, was pulled from both platforms early Monday morning. DeepSeek’s parent company has yet to issue a public response to the ban.
A Broader Push for Accountability
Italy has emerged as a vocal advocate for stricter tech regulation within the European Union. In recent years, the Garante temporarily banned ChatGPT over privacy violations and fined TikTok €10 million for failing to protect underage users. The DeepSeek decision aligns with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates transparency and user control over personal data.
Privacy experts argue the move underscores growing skepticism toward AI-driven apps that harvest vast amounts of user information. “This isn’t just about DeepSeek—it’s a warning to all tech firms that vague privacy policies and unchecked data mining won’t fly in Europe,” said Francesca Rossi, a Milan-based cybersecurity analyst.
User Reactions and Fallout
The abrupt removal has sparked frustration among Italian users who relied on DeepSeek for tasks like scheduling, language translation, and travel planning. “It was incredibly useful, but now I’m worried about what data they might have taken,” said Luca Marino, a student in Rome.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups praised the Garante’s decisiveness. “Users deserve to know exactly what they’re signing up for,” said Elena Conti of Digital Rights Italy. “Blind trust in AI tools is a recipe for exploitation.”
What’s Next for DeepSeek?
To regain access to Italian markets, DeepSeek must revise its data practices, provide clear opt-in consent mechanisms, and undergo a Garante-led audit. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global revenue—a significant threat to the company’s expansion plans in Europe.
The ban also raises questions about whether other EU nations will follow Italy’s lead. As of publication, the app remains available in stores outside Italy, but pressure is mounting for broader scrutiny.
For now, the case highlights the escalating tension between innovation and privacy in the AI era—and the high stakes for companies navigating Europe’s regulatory landscape.
Reporting contributed by Marco Bianchi; updated at 3:15 PM CET.
Read the full regulatory announcement here.
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