Italy Blocks DeepSeek Chatbot Over Privacy Concerns
Italy’s data protection authority, known as the Garante, has taken decisive action against the Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek. On Thursday, the Garante ordered the company to block its chatbot in Italy. This move comes after DeepSeek failed to address serious concerns regarding its privacy policy. The Garante’s primary focus is to protect the personal data of Italian users, ensuring that their information is handled responsibly and transparently. This incident highlights the growing scrutiny that AI technologies face in Europe, particularly regarding data protection and privacy regulations.
Concerns Over Data Privacy
The Garante raised several questions about DeepSeek’s use of personal data. They sought clarity on what types of personal data are collected, the sources of this data, the purposes for which it is used, and the legal basis for its collection. Additionally, the Garante inquired whether the data is stored in China, where privacy regulations differ significantly from those in Europe. The authority expressed that the information provided by DeepSeek was “totally insufficient.” This lack of transparency raised alarms about how the company handles sensitive user data, prompting the Garante to take action.
DeepSeek’s chatbot has gained popularity, even surpassing ChatGPT as the top-rated free application on Apple’s App Store in the United States. However, the rapid rise of this AI technology has not come without scrutiny. The Garante’s order to block the chatbot is part of a broader effort to ensure that companies comply with strict European data protection laws. The authority emphasized that citizens have the right to know how their data is used and stored. The Garante’s actions reflect a commitment to uphold these rights, especially in an era where AI technologies are becoming increasingly pervasive.
Immediate Action and Ongoing Investigation
The Garante’s order to block DeepSeek’s chatbot took effect immediately. Alongside this action, the authority has also opened an investigation into the company’s practices. Agostino Ghiglia, a member of the Garante’s board, noted that DeepSeek had removed its AI assistant from Italian app stores in response to the regulator’s inquiries. However, the company claimed it should not be subject to local regulations or the jurisdiction of the Garante, which further complicated the situation.
Ghiglia expressed disappointment with DeepSeek’s response, stating that it did not provide any reassurance regarding the company’s data handling practices. Instead, it worsened their position, leading to the decision to block the chatbot. He emphasized that without cooperation from DeepSeek, the company would remain blocked in Italy. As of now, some users who previously downloaded the app reported that the chatbot was still operational on their devices, while the web version continues to function. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the Garante’s order and the challenges of enforcing data protection regulations in the digital age.
Wider European Scrutiny and Future Implications
The Garante’s actions are not isolated. Data regulators in other European countries, such as Ireland and France, are also scrutinizing DeepSeek’s privacy policies. This growing wave of regulatory attention reflects a broader trend in Europe, where authorities are increasingly vigilant about the implications of AI technologies on personal data. The Garante’s proactive stance positions it as one of the leading data protection authorities in Europe, especially concerning AI usage.
Two years ago, the Garante briefly banned the use of Microsoft-backed ChatGPT over suspected breaches of EU privacy rules. This history of taking strong action against AI technologies underscores the authority’s commitment to protecting user data. As AI continues to evolve, the need for robust privacy regulations becomes more critical. The Garante’s decision to block DeepSeek serves as a reminder to companies that they must prioritize transparency and user consent when handling personal data. Failure to do so may result in significant consequences, including bans and investigations, as seen in this case.
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