Germany Calls for DeepSeek Ban in Apple and Google App Stores
Germany’s data protection commissioner has formally requested that Apple and Google remove the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their respective app stores in Germany. The request stems from serious data privacy concerns related to the unauthorised transfer of user data to China.
The move intensifies mounting global scrutiny on China-based AI companies and raises questions about the security of personal data collected by artificial intelligence platforms.
Why Is DeepSeek Facing Expulsion?
According to Commissioner Meike Kamp, DeepSeek has illegally transferred personal data of German users to servers located in China. Despite being asked to comply with EU data transfer regulations in May 2025, the company allegedly failed to do so. “DeepSeek has not been able to provide my agency with convincing evidence that German users’ data is protected in China to a level equivalent to that in the European Union,” said Kamp.
Key Privacy Concerns
- DeepSeek’s privacy policy admits to storing user inputs and uploaded files on servers based in China.
- The company has not provided adequate proof that user data enjoys the same protection in China as required by EU GDPR standards.
- German authorities are particularly concerned about the broad access Chinese authorities have to private data within their jurisdiction.
Apple and Google Must Respond
The German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) has asked Apple and Google to promptly review and act on the request to block the DeepSeek app within Germany.
As of now, neither Apple nor Google has issued a public response. DeepSeek also did not respond to media inquiries.
DeepSeek Under Global Scrutiny
Recent Bans and Restrictions:
- Italy blocked DeepSeek earlier in 2025 due to concerns over insufficient transparency regarding data usage.
- The Netherlands has prohibited the app on all government-issued devices.
- In the United States, lawmakers are drafting a bill that would ban Chinese AI tools like DeepSeek from use in federal agencies.
National Security Concerns:
In a separate investigation, reports stated that DeepSeek is aiding China’s military and intelligence operations, further deepening Western governments’ distrust of the company.
What Is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence startup that made headlines in January 2025 by claiming to develop an AI model comparable to ChatGPT at a fraction of the cost. The model was promoted as a revolutionary step in generative AI, but privacy concerns have overshadowed its technological achievements.
What Happens Next?
With Germany joining the list of countries tightening restrictions on DeepSeek, the AI startup faces growing pressure to comply with international data privacy regulations. If Apple and Google honour Germany’s request, DeepSeek may be banned from the largest mobile platforms in one of Europe’s biggest markets.
Final Thoughts
The DeepSeek case highlights a broader issue facing Chinese tech firms operating internationally: data sovereignty, user trust, and legal compliance. As global AI competition intensifies, regulators are becoming more proactive about protecting citizens’ data from unauthorised foreign access.
