Argomenti trattati
BERLIN — The Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection, Meike Kamp, is making headlines with her bold move against the AI application DeepSeek. She’s calling for its removal from major platforms after an investigation revealed that the app is violating the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This action underscores a growing concern about how tech companies manage user data, particularly when it comes to its transfer and storage.
What’s Behind the Demand?
On June 27, Commissioner Kamp officially requested that Google and Apple pull DeepSeek from their app stores. This demand follows the app’s failure to heed earlier requests to either modify its practices or withdraw its application entirely to protect the data of users in Germany. Kamp stated bluntly, “The transfer of user data by DeepSeek to China is unlawful,” emphasizing the serious implications of inadequate data protection under EU standards.
In her statement, she expressed grave concerns over DeepSeek’s inability to provide adequate assurances regarding the safeguarding of German users’ data in China. This is especially troubling given the extensive rights that Chinese authorities have over personal data managed by local companies.
As Kamp pointed out, “DeepSeek users in China do not possess enforceable rights and effective legal remedies as guaranteed in the European Union.” This statement clarifies just how serious the situation is, and she’s urging Google and Apple—who dominate the app market—to act swiftly on her request.
What Could This Mean for Users?
Despite the pressure from Berlin’s data protection office, it’s still uncertain whether DeepSeek will be removed from the App Store or Google Play Store. Both tech giants will have to weigh the implications of Kamp’s request before making a decision. If the app does get banned, it might only impact users in Germany or across the EU, leaving millions of users outside these regions unaffected.
As of July 2025, DeepSeek has amassed over 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store, indicating a massive user base that may soon be searching for alternatives. With growing concerns about data privacy, many users might choose to delete the app voluntarily, regardless of Google and Apple’s final decisions.
Kamp’s press release raised further alarms, revealing that “According to its own website, [DeepSeek] processes extensive personal data of users, including all text entries, chat histories, and uploaded files, as well as information about location, devices used, and networks.” This revelation casts a spotlight on the app’s data handling practices, prompting users to reconsider their privacy choices.
Broader Implications for Data Privacy Standards
The ongoing efforts by Commissioner Kamp to either remove DeepSeek or enforce compliance with EU data protection standards serve as a wake-up call for users who are increasingly concerned about their data privacy. As digital privacy issues become more pronounced, Kamp’s actions reflect a broader trend of holding tech companies accountable for their data management practices.
While DeepSeek is not the sole AI application under scrutiny, it highlights the challenges users face regarding data privacy in today’s digital landscape. Many have voiced similar concerns about other AI and social media applications, with experts warning that the environment is fraught with privacy risks. Recent remarks from TechCrunch, calling out Meta’s AI app as a “privacy disaster,” resonate with these worries.
As the situation continues to evolve, users are encouraged to stay informed about their data privacy rights and the practices of the applications they use. The demand for transparency and accountability from tech companies is more crucial than ever as regulators like Kamp take a stand to protect user data.