Recent privacy concerns and alleged violations of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have led to the removal of DeepSeek’s AI apps from both Apple and Google app stores. This decision aims to prevent unauthorized data transmission from Germany to China, where DeepSeek is based.
DeepSeek, a multifunctional chatbot developed by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd., headquartered in Beijing, has faced criticism over its compliance with GDPR standards due to the risk of user data being transferred to servers in China. This has raised significant concerns among German privacy advocates and regulatory bodies.
Initially, Meike Kamp, Berlin’s Data Protection Officer, expressed reservations regarding the non-compliance of DeepSeek’s app with GDPR requirements, stating that user data transmission to China is illegal as it does not meet European Union standards for data protection. Following this, Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider, Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information in Germany, urged the company to voluntarily remove its apps from major app stores.
In a statement released on July 8th, 2025, Bitdefender highlighted that all user inputs, chat histories, uploaded files, geolocation information, device details, and network specifics are sent to servers located in China. This move underscores the lack of an equivalent data protection standard in China compared to the EU’s GDPR.
DeepSeek Faces Scrutiny Over Data Practices
The removal of DeepSeek’s apps from app stores is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend addressing privacy and security concerns surrounding Chinese technology companies operating internationally. This issue has been widely discussed by experts, who argue that China’s data protection standards fall short compared to those in the EU.
Security analysts have pointed out that while DeepSeek boasts advancements in artificial intelligence, it fails to meet international privacy benchmarks due to its reliance on servers based in China for data processing and storage. This discrepancy not only challenges user trust but also complicates cross-border business operations under stringent regulations like GDPR.
Furthermore, reports from various media outlets indicate growing resistance against the export of personal data outside a jurisdiction known for robust privacy safeguards. The case of DeepSeek illustrates how such practices can lead to significant regulatory actions affecting company operations and reputation.
Similar questions
What are the main reasons for DeepSeek’s apps being removed from Apple and Google app stores?
Who is responsible for expressing reservations about DeepSeek’s compliance with GDPR standards?
Where are DeepSeek’s servers located, and why is this a concern according to European privacy advocates?
When did Bitdefender release their statement regarding user data transmission by DeepSeek’s app?
What specific types of user information does the statement say is transmitted to China?
How might transferring sensitive data to China conflict with GDPR requirements?
Why did Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider urge for voluntary removal from major app stores?
Can you summarize the role of Meike Kamp in this situation?
What actions have been taken by regulatory bodies regarding DeepSeek’s non-compliance?
Is there an equivalent data protection standard to GDPR in China according to the text?