A rising tide of Chinese AI faces regulatory headwinds in Europe. DeepSeek, a promising Chinese AI startup, is experiencing difficulties in Italy. The country has removed its app from both Apple's App Store and Google Play. This action follows an official investigation by Garante, Italy's data protection authority, regarding the company's data handling practices.
Italian Watchdog Demands Data Transparency
Garante has issued a stern request to DeepSeek and associated entities. They demand comprehensive answers within 20 days. The investigation centers on:
- Data Collection Practices: What personal data does DeepSeek collect from users?
- Data Sources: Where does this data originate?
- Data Usage: How does DeepSeek intend to use user data?
- Data Location: Is user data stored on servers in China?
- Transparency: How does DeepSeek inform users, registered and unregistered, about data processing and web scraping?
These questions reflect serious concerns about the legality and transparency of DeepSeek's operations within Italy.
Global Privacy Concerns Mount
DeepSeek's popularity, driven by its AI assistant competing with OpenAI's ChatGPT, has attracted attention. Its rapid rise in app download charts globally has raised alarms, particularly in the US tech sector. Concerns extend beyond Italy:
- US National Security Assessments: American officials are reviewing potential national security risks from Chinese AI models like DeepSeek.
- US Navy Warning: The US Navy has warned personnel against using DeepSeek due to unspecified security concerns.
- Euroconsumers Challenge: Euroconsumers, a coalition of European consumer groups, questions DeepSeek's GDPR compliance.
Echoes of Italy's ChatGPT Ban
Italy's strong stance on DeepSeek's data handling is consistent with past actions. In 2023, Italy banned ChatGPT over similar data protection concerns. The ban was lifted after OpenAI implemented changes to enhance user privacy, including:
- Greater transparency in Data Processing
- User opt-out rights
- Age Verification Measures
These changes allowed ChatGPT's return to Italy and may serve as both guidance and warning for DeepSeek.
Deadline Looming: February 17th
DeepSeek faces a critical deadline: February 17th. By this date, satisfactory answers to Garante's questions are required. Failure to address these concerns may result in:
- Significant Fines: Financial penalties for violating Italian and EU data protection regulations.
- Operational Limitations: Ongoing or extended restrictions on DeepSeek's operations in Italy and potentially Europe.
This decision could set a precedent for European regulators' approach to AI applications from outside the Western sphere, particularly regarding data privacy and security. The technology world is watching as DeepSeek attempts to balance AI innovation with European data-privacy mandates. This situation highlights the tension between global AI ambitions and regional data-privacy regulations.
