On June 16, 2025, the Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM) launched an investigation into DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence platform, primarily due to concerns surrounding its transparency. The AGCM has raised alarms about the platform’s unclear warnings to users, particularly regarding the accuracy of the AI-generated information it provides.
### Background of the Investigation
This isn’t DeepSeek’s first brush with legal scrutiny. Since its inception, the platform has faced multiple complaints and negative reports. The current investigation zeroes in on the lack of explicit user warnings about so-called “hallucinations” that the AI may produce. These hallucinations refer to erroneous, misleading, or completely fabricated responses generated by AI models.
The AGCM’s main accusation is that DeepSeek fails to adequately inform users about the risks tied to trusting AI-generated content. Presently, the only warning on the platform states, “AI-generated, for reference only,” which Italian authorities have deemed insufficient.
### Concerns Over User Trust and Misinformation
The AGCM is particularly worried that the absence of clear warnings might lead users to place unwarranted trust in the AI’s responses, mistakenly believing they are always accurate and reliable. This misinformation can pose significant risks, as users may make decisions based on flawed information, potentially causing wider societal harm.
Additionally, the Antitrust Authority points out that DeepSeek does not provide extra warnings or detailed explanations about the reliability of its content, either on its website or in informational documents. This lack of clarity could be a violation of consumer protection laws.
### Next Steps for DeepSeek
DeepSeek now has 30 days to respond to the AGCM’s inquiry. The company is required to provide further details, including the number of Italian users engaging with its service and a description of its corporate structure. It’s crucial to note that the challenges surrounding AI risks extend beyond just DeepSeek. Similar concerns have been raised about other platforms, including ChatGPT.
As this investigation progresses, the AGCM’s actions underscore the increasing scrutiny of AI technologies and the urgent need for transparency in user interactions with these systems. The outcome of this investigation could set a significant precedent for future regulations governing AI platforms in Italy and beyond.