Germany’s data protection commissioner has formally requested Apple and Google to remove the Chinese AI company DeepSeek from their app stores in the country, citing serious data privacy violations.
On Friday, Commissioner Meike Kamp announced that DeepSeek is allegedly transferring personal user data to China in violation of European Union regulations. She emphasized that both tech giants must now review and respond to the request without delay.
DeepSeek has yet to issue a comment, while Apple and Google have also not responded to media inquiries.
According to DeepSeek’s own privacy policy, the company stores various personal data—including user requests and uploaded files—on servers located in China.
“DeepSeek has not provided satisfactory evidence that it ensures the same level of data protection for German users as required under EU law,” Kamp stated. She added that “Chinese authorities hold extensive access rights to personal data associated with Chinese firms.”
The German commissioner said her office reached out to DeepSeek in May, asking the company to comply with EU data transfer requirements or voluntarily remove its app. The company failed to meet either condition.
DeepSeek made headlines earlier this year with claims of developing a powerful AI model capable of competing with Western platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but at a significantly lower cost.
However, the startup has since come under intense scrutiny in both Europe and the United States over its data handling practices. Italy previously removed the app from its platforms due to insufficient transparency about personal data use, while the Netherlands has banned it on government devices.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are preparing legislation that would prohibit federal agencies from using any AI developed in China.
Reuters recently reported that DeepSeek is supporting Chinese military and intelligence operations, further fueling global security and privacy concerns.
