Apple and Google Ordered to Remove DeepSeek AI in Germany Over Data Privacy Concerns
German Regulator Cites Risks of Chinese Government Access to User Data
AI startup DeepSeek is facing renewed regulatory scrutiny as Germany moves to block its app from local app stores over data protection fears.
- Berlin’s data protection commissioner Meike Kamp has warned both Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL) that offering DeepSeek on their platforms is illegal,
- Because it may expose German users’ personal data to Chinese authorities.
Data Security Warnings and Regulatory Demands
Kamp stated,
- “Chinese authorities have far-reaching rights to access personal data. DeepSeek users don’t have enforceable rights and effective legal remedies available to them in China, like they’re guaranteed in the European Union.”
The commissioner cited DeepSeek’s failure to address a previous request in May
- To either withdraw the app from German app stores or implement stronger data safeguards for local users.
As a result, Berlin has invoked the EU’s Digital Services Act
- Which obliges tech giants like Apple and Google to swiftly remove illegal content from their platforms.
Both companies must now decide how to comply with this order, according to Kamp.
Broader Regulatory and Security Context
Kamp’s office could have imposed a fine, but noted it would not be enforceable in China.
DeepSeek’s R1 large language model, introduced in January,
- Shook up the U.S. AI sector with its low cost and competitive performance,
- Fueling anxiety over the growing AI race between China and the U.S. as well as intensifying concerns about data privacy and security.
The app has already been removed from app stores in Italy and Ireland for similar reasons.
- In the U.S., officials have accused DeepSeek of aiding China’s military and intelligence efforts
- And evading export controls to access high-end AI chips.
Looming Legislation in the U.S.
American lawmakers are preparing bipartisan legislation to ban federal agencies from using DeepSeek and other AI tools linked to foreign adversaries,
- Reflecting a wave of regulatory action across Western markets.