David Bridges
DeepSeek, a rapidly emerging AI chatbot from China, has quickly ascended to the top of app store rankings this week. However, its swift rise has also caught the attention of data protection authorities globally, highlighting significant concerns regarding user privacy.
DeepSeek’s privacy policy raises several red flags for potential users. Notably, governments are particularly alarmed that the data collected by the company is stored within China, making it subject to stringent Chinese data laws. This situation poses potential risks for users who may be unaware of how their personal information is managed and protected.
In Italy, the consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers, which represents a coalition of various European consumer organizations, has taken action by filing a complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority. This complaint seeks clarification on how DeepSeek intends to handle the data of its citizens. They expressed serious concerns, stating in Italian, as reported by TechCrunch, “The data of millions of Italians is at risk.” Following this, the Irish Data Protection Commission also initiated inquiries into the matter.
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According to a report from Reuters on Wednesday, access to DeepSeek has been blocked in the Apple and Google app stores in Italy, further complicating its availability and raising questions about its compliance with local regulations.
What DeepSeek knows about you — and why it matters
A spokesperson for the Irish Data Protection Commission confirmed to TechCrunch that the DPC has formally approached DeepSeek, requesting detailed information regarding its data processing practices as they pertain to individuals residing in Ireland.
DeepSeek is known to collect a range of personal information provided by users. This includes your birthday, email address, and any content you share during chat interactions, along with technical data such as your IP address, keystroke patterns, and payment information. Additionally, if you log in using accounts from Google or Apple, the company may also gather data from these sources. All this information is stored on “secure servers in the People’s Republic of China,” raising serious questions about data sovereignty and protection, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding TikTok’s operations in the U.S., which similarly faces scrutiny due to alleged ties with “foreign adversaries.”
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Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
