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Investing.com -- Germany’s top data protection official has called on Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) to remove the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their app stores over concerns about user privacy.
Commissioner Meike Kamp said Friday that the request was made because the app transfers personal data to China in violation of data protection rules. She urged the two tech giants to review the matter swiftly and determine whether to block access to the app in Germany.
According to DeepSeek’s own privacy policy, the AI startup stores a range of personal data — including user queries and uploaded files — on servers located in China.
"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," Kamp said.
"Chinese authorities have far-reaching access rights to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies," she added.
Kamp said that her office had previously asked the company in May to either comply with EU data transfer standards or voluntarily remove the app, but DeepSeek failed to meet those requirements.
This week, citing a senior U.S. official, Reuters reported that DeepSeek is actively supporting China’s military and intelligence services, including attempts to obtain restricted semiconductors through Southeast Asian shell companies.
“We understand that DeepSeek has willingly provided and will likely continue to provide support to China’s military and intelligence operations,” the official reportedly told Reuters.
The official also alleged that DeepSeek shares user data and analytics with Beijing’s surveillance networks, calling it “an effort that goes above and beyond open-source access to DeepSeek’s AI models.”
The Chinese AI firm made headlines earlier this year with claims of developing a low-cost model to rival those of OpenAI. But it has faced growing scrutiny in both Europe and the United States over how it handles personal data.
Italy has already barred the app from its app stores, and the Netherlands has prohibited its use on government devices.
In the U.S., lawmakers are preparing legislation that would prevent federal agencies from using AI developed in China.