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EXPLAINED: Why DeepSeek Has Been Blocked In Italy

DeepSeek seemed to be still operational for Italian users who had previously downloaded the application. 

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DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence app, has been blocked in Italy. Users could not access the app in Apple and Google app stores starting Wednesday in the country. 

Italian nationals on Apple’s App Store were notified that the app was “currently not available in the country or area you are in”. On Google Play Store, users received the message that the download “was not supported” in Italy.

The development came a day after the country’s data protection authority, Garante, requested information on its use of personal data.

The Italian on Tuesday said it wanted to know what personal data is collected, its sources and purposes, as well as the legal basis and whether it is stored in China. DeepSeek and its affiliated companies have been given 20 days to respond.

“The news of the withdrawal of the app was only a few hours ago, I cannot say whether it is due to us or not,” the head of the Italian data regulator, Pasquale Stanzione, was quoted as saying by news agency ANSA.

“Our office will launch an in-depth investigation to see if GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) rules are being respected,” Stanzione added, referring to European Union data protection regulation.

Stanzione also added the regulator was seeking reassurances on safeguarding underage users of the app, on maintaining neutrality and avoiding external electoral interference.

However, DeepSeek seemed to be still operational for Italian users who had previously downloaded the application. 

Garante is one of Europe’s most active watchdogs on the use of AI. Two years ago it briefly banned the use of Microsoft-backed ChatGPT over suspected breaches of EU privacy rules.

EXPLAINED: Why DeepSeek Has Been Blocked In Italy
Image: Getty

DeepSeek Unavailable in Ireland

Ireland, too, followed the suit as the country’s Data Protection Commission said it had also requested information from DeepSeek about data processing in relation to Irish users.

Ireland’s watchdog is the lead EU regulator for most of the top U.S. internet firms due to the location of their EU operations in Ireland.

The German government is also said to be monitoring AI applications for potential interference before the February 23 national election.

“Of course, the security authorities are concerned with AI applications and possible manipulation, possible influence on the formation of public opinion through AI applications, especially now in view of the Bundestag elections,” the Information Ministry spokesperson said, without naming any specific models.

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DeepSeek’s Shot to Fame

DeepSeek made headlines last week after it launched a free AI assistant that it claimed uses less data at a fraction of the cost of incumbent services. Creating shockwaves in the tech world, the assistant had overtaken US rival ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store. Its steep rise sparked panic among tech stock investors.

As a result, the rapid success has also drawn regulatory attention. It is based on an  open-source model, and reports suggest that DeepSeek collects user data, including IP addresses and chat logs, raising alarm over potential privacy threats.

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