Germany’s data protection commissioner has called on Apple and Google to remove Chinese AI firm DeepSeek’s app from their platforms in the country. According to Reuters, German officials cited illegal data transfers and privacy concerns.
In a statement, Commissioner Meike Kamp said DeepSeek is transferring users’ personal data to China without adequate safeguards. The request comes amid growing European scrutiny of Chinese AI tools and follows similar actions in Italy and the Netherlands.
“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. She added that Chinese authorities have “far-reaching access rights” to personal data within the reach of Chinese companies.
Apple has not commented on the request, while Google confirmed it had received the notice and is reviewing it. DeepSeek did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
According to its privacy policy, DeepSeek stores personal data—including user queries and uploaded files—on servers in China. Kamp’s office had previously asked the company in May to comply with EU data transfer requirements or voluntarily withdraw the app, but DeepSeek reportedly failed to comply.
DeepSeek drew international attention earlier this year with claims that its AI rivaled OpenAI’s ChatGPT at a significantly lower cost. However, concerns about its handling of sensitive data have triggered investigations and bans across Europe.
Italy has already removed DeepSeek from app stores, citing inadequate transparency. The Netherlands has banned its use on government devices, and Belgium has advised officials not to use it while further assessments are underway. In Spain, a consumer group has asked regulators to investigate, though no formal action has been taken.
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