German regulatory agencies have pushed Google and Apple to remove Deepseek from their application stores. The move comes amid growing suspicions about the data protection practices of the Chinese AI company. Meike Kamp, the Data Protection Commissioner in Germany, issued a statement explaining the necessity of the action and alleging that Deepseek transfers personal data of German users to China illegally.

Germany joins Australia, Italy, and Taiwan in taking measures against Deepseek, which has caused significant controversy in the sector since early 2025. Several private companies have also restricted access to their AI platform. Additionally, a U.S. legislative proposal aims to prohibit the use of Chinese AI models by government agencies.

Storage Concerns

The German data protection agency has indicated that Deepseek stores personal data on servers based in China, the country of origin. Kamp argues that this transfer of data is illegal and that Deepseek has failed to convince authorities that it protects users’ data to a standard equivalent to that of the European Union.

“The Chinese authorities have broad access to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies,” Kamp stated. While he hasn’t imposed a specific deadline, Apple and Google must study the request and decide whether to block the Deepseek application.

Global Impact

Since its debut in 2025, Deepseek has drawn significant attention and criticism from regulators and privacy experts worldwide. The growing concerns highlight the complexities of international data protection practices and the challenges of harmonizing regulations across different jurisdictions.

Privacy experts emphasize the importance of robust data protection mechanisms to safeguard user information. Understanding the intricacies and potential risks associated with AI models from foreign countries has never been more crucial.

Tips for Data Protection

In light of these developments, here are some practical tips for users concerned about their data privacy:

  • Review app permissions carefully to understand what data they collect.
  • Use virtual private networks (VPNs) to encrypt internet traffic.
  • Regularly update and patch software to protect against security vulnerabilities.
  • Opt for data protection tools and services that comply with GDPR or similar privacy frameworks.

The implications of this decision will likely extend beyond Germany, setting a precedent for other countries to follow suit. As the debate over data privacy and international AI continues to unfold, users and policymakers alike must remain vigilant in safeguarding personal information.