Germany Urges Apple, Google to Drop Chinese AI App Over Data Risks
Germany’s data watchdog asks Apple and Google to remove Chinese AI app DeepSeek over concerns about unlawful data transfers to China and user privacy violations.
Germany Targets Chinese AI App Over Privacy Violations
Introduction: A New Front in Europe’s Tech Privacy War
Germany is stepping up its scrutiny of foreign technology with a call for Apple and Google to block DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence app, from their app stores. The request follows growing concerns that the company may be transferring German user data to servers in China, potentially exposing private information to Chinese authorities.
Background: DeepSeek’s Rise and Controversy
DeepSeek made headlines in January with claims that its AI could rival U.S.-developed tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT at a fraction of the cost. But the Chinese startup’s rapid rise has been accompanied by intensifying scrutiny over its data handling practices.
Privacy concerns have surfaced not just in Germany but across Europe and the U.S., with multiple governments questioning whether DeepSeek complies with local and international data protection laws.
The German Crackdown: Official Concerns and Action
Federal Data Protection Commissioner Meike Kamp announced Friday that her office had formally requested Apple and Google to remove DeepSeek from their German app stores.
Kamp stated that the app violates EU data protection standards by transferring user data to China without sufficient safeguards. “DeepSeek has not provided adequate proof that German users’ personal information is protected in accordance with EU standards,” she said.
Kamp’s decision follows months of dialogue with the company. In May, her office gave DeepSeek an ultimatum: either align with EU data transfer protocols or voluntarily pull the app from German platforms. The company failed to respond adequately, prompting Friday’s escalation.
Tech Giants Respond: Apple Silent, Google Reviewing
As of Friday, Google confirmed receipt of the request and said it is actively reviewing the case. Apple has not publicly commented.
DeepSeek also remained silent when approached for a response to Germany’s move.
According to its own privacy policy, DeepSeek stores data such as AI prompt inputs and uploaded files on Chinese servers—raising red flags for privacy regulators who fear unchecked access by Chinese authorities.
Expert Insight: “Risk of Mass Surveillance”
“Chinese authorities possess expansive access to data within companies under their jurisdiction,” Kamp warned. Her remarks echo broader fears in Europe that foreign intelligence agencies could exploit personal data collected via digital platforms.
Privacy experts say the DeepSeek case exemplifies a broader issue: the growing tension between global AI development and national data sovereignty.
A Broader European Rejection
Germany isn’t acting in isolation. Italy was the first European nation to block DeepSeek earlier this year, citing similar concerns over transparency and data usage. The Netherlands has banned the app from government devices, while Belgium has advised public officials to avoid using it entirely.
In Spain, consumer advocacy group OCU urged regulators to investigate DeepSeek in February, though no official ban has yet been enacted.
The U.K. has taken a more cautious approach. A spokesperson for the British Department for Science, Innovation and Technology stated that using DeepSeek “remains a personal choice” but emphasized the government’s ongoing monitoring of digital threats to national security.
U.S. Developments: National Security in Focus
Across the Atlantic, DeepSeek is also under the microscope. U.S. lawmakers are reportedly preparing legislation to prohibit executive agencies from using AI developed in China.
Adding fuel to the fire, a recent Reuters investigation revealed that DeepSeek may be supporting China’s military and intelligence infrastructure—intensifying global concerns about its operations.
Implications: The Road Ahead for DeepSeek and Global AI
The pushback against DeepSeek underscores a broader trend: governments are becoming more assertive about controlling the digital ecosystem within their borders.
If Apple and Google comply with Germany’s request, it could set a precedent for further restrictions on foreign tech firms that fail to meet European data protection norms.
Meanwhile, DeepSeek’s ambitions to scale internationally may be thwarted unless it reassures global regulators about its data governance practices.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for AI Oversight
Germany’s bold move against DeepSeek isn’t just about one app—it reflects mounting global unease about how and where personal data is stored in the age of artificial intelligence.
As privacy watchdogs, lawmakers, and tech giants weigh the risks of foreign AI, this case could become a landmark in shaping how countries defend data sovereignty in an increasingly connected world.
Source: (Reuters)
(Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements and publicly available information as of June 2025. All factual content is independently verified at the time of writing. No speculative or unsubstantiated claims have been included.)
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