DeepSeek is facing serious pushback in Europe over data privacy concerns. A Berlin data watchdog reported the Chinese AI app to Apple and Google, saying it sends user data to China illegally.
The issue started when Meike Kamp, Berlin’s Commissioner for data protection and freedom of information, flagged that DeepSeek failed to prove user data protection under EU law.
Kamp warned the two tech giants they must now decide whether to pull the app from their stores. 
Meike Kamp stated:
“Chinese authorities have far-reaching access rights to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies.”
Her office had already told DeepSeek to either comply with EU rules on transferring data abroad or remove the app. DeepSeek ignored the demand.
Italy banned DeepSeek earlier this year for similar reasons.
DeepSeek’s privacy policy reveals its data collection and storage happens in China. That fuels EU watchdogs’ distrust since Chinese authorities have broad access rights there.
Neither Apple nor Google has responded to the report or requests for comment so far.
This story was corrected to clarify Berlin’s data protection commissioner reported DeepSeek to Apple and Google.
