Italy Takes Stand Against DeepSeek: Chinese AI Model Blocked Over Data Privacy Issues

Italy’s data protection authority has taken significant action against the Chinese artificial intelligence model DeepSeek, emphasizing the importance of data privacy and transparency. The Garante, Italy’s watchdog for data protection, has blocked DeepSeek, citing concerns over insufficient transparency regarding the handling of personal data.

On Thursday, the Garante announced its decision, which came after DeepSeek failed to provide adequate information about various aspects of its data collection practices. This lack of transparency raises critical questions about user privacy and data security.

• Insufficient Information: The Garante noted that DeepSeek did not adequately disclose the types of personal data it collects, the sources of this data, and its intended purposes.
• Legal Basis Concerns: There were also questions regarding the legal basis for data collection and whether the data was stored in China.
• Immediate Action: As a result of these concerns, DeepSeek was removed from both Apple and Google app stores in Italy on Wednesday, just one day after the Garante requested further details on its data practices.

The Garante characterized the information provided by the companies behind DeepSeek as “totally insufficient,” highlighting the urgency of the matter. This decision aims to protect the personal data of Italian users and has been implemented with immediate effect. In addition to blocking the app, the authority has also initiated an investigation into the data handling practices of DeepSeek.

Despite the regulatory actions in Italy, DeepSeek did not immediately respond to requests for comments from news agencies like Reuters. However, it’s worth noting that just last week, DeepSeek introduced a new free assistant, claiming that it operates with lower data consumption and at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. This claim attracted significant attention as the AI model recently surpassed its U.S. counterpart, ChatGPT, in terms of downloads from the Apple app store.

Such rapid growth has led to mounting concerns among technology investors. The potential implications of DeepSeek’s rise in popularity have not gone unnoticed, particularly in the context of national security. In Australia, government agencies and critical infrastructure providers have been urged to ban DeepSeek due to similar concerns.

CyberCX, Australia’s largest cybersecurity firm, released a threat advisory on Friday, warning that it is “almost certain” that DeepSeek and the data it collects are under the control of the Chinese government. The advisory explicitly recommended that DeepSeek be banned from government devices.

• Potential Risks: CyberCX assessed with high confidence that the DeepSeek AI Assistant app produces biased outputs that align with the strategic objectives and narratives of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
• User Data Concerns: The firm also highlighted that the app collects personal information from users’ devices and stores this information in China, raising alarms about user privacy and security.

As the global conversation around AI and data privacy continues to evolve, incidents involving models like DeepSeek underscore the need for stringent data protection measures. With increasing scrutiny from regulators around the world, companies operating in the AI space must prioritize transparency and user trust.

In conclusion, the actions taken by Italy’s data protection authority against DeepSeek serve as a critical reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal data. As technology continues to advance, ensuring that user privacy is respected and protected will remain a top priority for regulators and consumers alike.