DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed artificial intelligence (AI) platform, has been removed from both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store in Italy, following concerns over its data privacy practices. The platform, which offers AI-driven assistance similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, became popular for its ability to deliver advanced AI capabilities at a more affordable cost. However, the app’s privacy policy, particularly its data storage and handling practices, has drawn scrutiny from Italian authorities.
Data Privacy Investigation
The Italian data protection authority, Garante, has launched a formal investigation into DeepSeek’s data practices, examining whether the app complies with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The focus of the inquiry centers on the types of personal data the app collects, the purposes for which this data is used, and whether the information is stored in China, where DeepSeek’s servers are located.
According to DeepSeek’s privacy policy, user data is stored on secure servers in China. This has raised alarm in Italy, as critics are concerned that the Chinese government could gain access to the data under China’s national security and intelligence laws. The investigation will explore whether DeepSeek’s data practices violate EU laws designed to protect user privacy.
OpenAI’s Concerns
Adding to the controversy, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has raised concerns that DeepSeek may have copied its AI models through a process called distillation. This technique condenses large, computationally expensive AI models into smaller versions that can run faster and more efficiently. OpenAI has suggested that DeepSeek’s app might be using a distilled version of its models without authorization, further intensifying the scrutiny on the platform.
Global Impact
While DeepSeek has been removed from the app stores in Italy, the app remains available in other regions, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite its removal, DeepSeek continues to have a significant user base globally, with many praising the app’s advanced features and affordability compared to other AI services.
This move by Italian authorities highlights the growing concern over data privacy and the increasing regulation of AI platforms worldwide. As more governments examine the data handling practices of companies based in regions with differing privacy standards, AI platforms may face tighter scrutiny, particularly regarding the storage and use of personal data.
This development also signals the ongoing global debate on how AI should be regulated, with privacy laws and data security being at the forefront of these discussions. With regulatory bodies becoming more vigilant, platforms like DeepSeek could face further challenges in the coming months.
For more details on the ongoing investigation and its implications, you can follow the updates on major news outlets like The Guardian.
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