Germany is taking a strong stance on data privacy, as its Federal Data Protection Commissioner, Meike Kamp, has called on Apple and Google to remove the Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek from their app stores. The move stems from concerns that DeepSeek unlawfully transfers personal data from German users to servers in China, potentially violating the European Union’s strict General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Kamp stated that DeepSeek failed to provide sufficient guarantees that user data would be protected at a level consistent with EU law. The main issue lies in China’s legal environment, where authorities can compel companies to share user data—raising serious national security and privacy alarms within Europe.
This is not the first time DeepSeek has come under fire. Since its release in early 2025, the AI assistant has gained popularity for being a low-cost alternative to services like ChatGPT. However, its connection to Chinese servers and the Chinese government has triggered growing scrutiny around the world. Italy banned the app earlier this year, and several other countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, and South Korea, have limited its use—especially on government devices.
Germany’s request comes after DeepSeek allegedly ignored earlier warnings to comply with GDPR or withdraw voluntarily from the market. If Apple and Google comply with the request, the app could soon disappear from German stores, although users may still access it via the web.
This case highlights a broader global trend: as AI tools become more embedded in daily life, countries are increasingly cautious about where user data is stored and who can access it. In the U.S., lawmakers are also considering legislation that could restrict Chinese-developed AI from government use, citing similar privacy and national security concerns.
Whether this move leads to an EU-wide ban or more stringent AI regulations remains to be seen, but the DeepSeek case is a clear signal that data sovereignty and compliance with privacy standards are becoming central in the AI age.
