Germany Demands DeepSeek Chatbot Ban: Accuses Chinese AI App of Illegally Transferring User Data to China
The chatbot developed by the Chinese company DeepSeek has once again found itself in the European spotlight. Earlier this year, the product garnered attention when its creators claimed they had successfully developed and maintained their own artificial intelligence at a fraction of the cost compared to their American counterparts. Now, the service faces potential removal from app stores in Germany.
The Berlin Data Protection Authority has requested that Apple and Google restrict access to the DeepSeek app for users in Germany. The demand stems from alleged violations of European privacy regulations. According to the agency’s head, Meike Kamp, the company transmits personal data beyond the borders of the European Union—an action deemed unlawful in this context.
While cross-border data transfers are not outright banned, they are permissible only if the company can guarantee the same level of protection for individuals as required by EU standards. German regulators assert that DeepSeek has failed to provide sufficient evidence of compliance with these obligations. Particularly concerning is the possibility that Chinese commercial entities may gain access to user information.
A ban on distributing an app through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store is a relatively rare move. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) stipulates severe penalties for violations—fines may reach up to four percent of a company’s global revenue. It also allows for restrictions or outright bans on specific business practices.
To enforce the ban on mobile applications, Berlin authorities are also invoking the Digital Services Act (DSA). Although the Federal Network Agency is formally responsible for its implementation in Germany, the capital’s data protection office has independently initiated proceedings, citing provisions of the GDPR.
It is important to note that the restrictions will apply only to the mobile version of DeepSeek available via official app stores. The web-based version of the service, accessible through browsers, will remain operational.
This is not the first instance of such regulatory action. In 2023, similar measures were temporarily enacted in Italy against ChatGPT, citing insufficient safeguards for minors and a lack of transparency in data processing.
The situation surrounding DeepSeek is further complicated by the absence of an official company representative within the EU. Under European law, this enables any national authority within the bloc to initiate investigations and take enforcement actions independently, even if the organization is based outside the EU.
Berlin officials have exercised precisely this right. It remains to be seen how Apple and Google will respond—and whether they will comply with the request.
