Germany Urges Apple and Google to Remove Chinese AI Startup DeepSeek from Their App Stores

Germany’s data protection commissioner, Meike Kamp, has called for the removal of the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from Apple’s and Google’s app stores due to serious data privacy concerns. She alleges that DeepSeek illegally transfers users’ personal data to China, lacking adequate protections compared to EU standards. DeepSeek’s privacy policy reveals that it stores extensive personal data on Chinese servers, raising alarm over potential access by Chinese authorities. Following DeepSeek’s failure to comply with requests to clarify data handling or to withdraw its app, Germany is now reviewing options to block it. Other countries, including Italy and the Netherlands, have already restricted DeepSeek due to similar issues regarding personal data usage, while U.S. lawmakers plan to propose a ban on Chinese-developed AI models for federal agencies. Kamp emphasizes the importance of user privacy and safeguarding sensitive information against surveillance risks.

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