The Chinese artificial intelligence app DeepSeek became inaccessible in Italy on Wednesday on Apple and Google app stores, a day after the country’s data protection authority sought details on its handling of personal data.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission also confirmed that it had requested information from DeepSeek regarding data processing practices concerning Irish users.
DeepSeek recently launched a free AI assistant, which it claims operates with lower data consumption and significantly reduced costs compared to existing services. By Monday, the app had surpassed the U.S.-based ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store, triggering concerns among technology investors.
“The app’s removal occurred just hours ago, and we cannot yet determine if our inquiry played a role,” said Pasquale Stanzione, head of the Italian data protection authority (Garante), as quoted by news agency ANSA. He added that an in-depth investigation would be conducted to verify compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The Garante stated on Tuesday that it had requested information from DeepSeek regarding the types of personal data collected, its sources, intended use, legal basis, and whether any data is stored in China. The company has been given 20 days to respond.
Stanzione further emphasized the need for reassurances on protecting underage users, preventing biases, and ensuring the app does not interfere with elections.
Italian users attempting to download DeepSeek on Wednesday encountered messages stating that the app was “currently not available in the country” on Apple’s App Store and “not supported” in Italy on Google’s platform. However, users who had previously installed the app appeared to retain access, and the service remained available in other EU countries and the UK.
In Germany, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry noted that authorities were closely monitoring AI applications for potential influence ahead of the Bundestag elections on February 23. “Security agencies are concerned with AI’s possible role in manipulation and public opinion formation, particularly during the election period,” the spokesperson stated, without naming specific models.
Italy’s Garante has established itself as one of the most proactive AI regulators in Europe. In 2023, it briefly banned Microsoft-backed ChatGPT over suspected GDPR violations.
While Ireland typically serves as the lead EU regulator for major U.S. tech firms due to their European headquarters being based there, DeepSeek has not designated Ireland as its central EU hub, leaving regulatory oversight more widely distributed across member states.
