Germany Bans Deepseek App Over Privacy Violations
▼ Summary
– Germany is urging Apple and Google to remove the DeepSeek app from their stores due to alleged privacy violations, as declared by Berlin’s Data Protection Commissioner.
– DeepSeek is accused of unlawfully transferring EU user data to China without adequate safeguards, violating GDPR Article 46(1).
– Italy previously banned DeepSeek in January 2025 over similar privacy concerns, with other EU countries like France and the Netherlands also investigating.
– DeepSeek updated its privacy policy in July 2025 to exclude profiling but still faces unresolved issues like unclear data retention periods.
– Using a VPN may not fully bypass an app store ban, as location-linked accounts still restrict downloads, requiring alternative methods to access the app.
Germany has taken decisive action against the AI chatbot DeepSeek, ordering its removal from official app stores over alleged privacy violations. The Berlin Data Protection Commissioner declared the Chinese-developed app unlawful, citing concerns about improper handling of user data. This follows Italy’s earlier ban in January 2025, signaling growing scrutiny of AI platforms across Europe.
Authorities claim DeepSeek violates GDPR regulations, specifically Article 46(1), which mandates strict safeguards when transferring EU citizens’ personal data outside the bloc. According to Berlin’s Data Protection Commissioner Meike Kamp, the app failed to demonstrate adequate protections for user information once transferred to China. “Chinese companies operate under laws that grant authorities broad access to personal data,” Kamp stated, adding that users lack the legal protections guaranteed in Europe.
The controversy intensified after German officials demanded DeepSeek either halt data transfers to China or comply with GDPR requirements, a request the company allegedly ignored. Kamp has now invoked Article 16 of the Digital Services Act (DSA), urging Apple and Google to block the app. Other EU nations, including France and the Netherlands, are also investigating potential GDPR breaches.
While DeepSeek updated its privacy policy in July 2025 to address profiling concerns, lingering issues like unclear data retention policies remain unresolved. The app’s future in Germany hangs in the balance, with users potentially losing access unless the company meets regulatory demands.
For those wondering about workarounds, VPNs may offer limited relief. Though they can mask a user’s location, they don’t bypass app store restrictions tied to accounts. Security experts caution against sideloading the app from unofficial sources, warning of unresolved privacy risks.
The crackdown reflects broader global tensions over AI governance, with the U.S. also considering bans on foreign-developed models. As regulators tighten oversight, DeepSeek’s challenges highlight the clash between innovation and privacy in the digital age.
(Source: techradar)
