Germany Demands Removal of Chinese AI App “DeepSeek” from App Stores over Data Protection Concerns

Germany’s Data Protection Commissioner, Micky Kamp, has called on Apple and Google to remove the Chinese AI application “DeepSeek” from app stores on mobile devices within Germany. This request comes amid concerns over user data protection and the app’s sharing of user data with the Chinese government, according to Reuters.

In her statement, Kamp explained that the primary reason for this demand is suspicion that the app deliberately shares user data with Chinese authorities, posing a significant privacy risk.

She also highlighted that DeepSeek’s privacy policy reveals that numerous user data—including questions posed to the AI model and files uploaded by users—are stored on servers located in China.

Kamp pointed out that the app failed to provide evidence demonstrating compliance with European data protection standards, despite official requests to revise its data storage policies in accordance with EU regulations. According to Reuters, DeepSeek refused to comply with these requests.

This ban follows similar actions taken earlier this year by Italy, which cited unclear mechanisms for data usage and exploitation by the app. Additionally, the Dutch government has banned the app on official devices, amid widespread calls across EU countries to remove or ban the application.

Separately, the U.S. government plans to introduce legislation criminalizing the use of any AI models developed in China by U.S. executive agencies. Apple and DeepSeek have not commented on these developments, while Google stated that it is currently reviewing the request.