Germany is asking Apple and Google to remove the Chinese-made DeepSeek AI app from their app stores. This shows growing worries in the European Union about how strong AI tools handle user data—especially when that data might be sent outside the EU’s control.
DeepSeek AI has become popular worldwide and even beat ChatGPT for a while in U.S. app downloads. But now, Europe is taking a closer look. German officials say DeepSeek AI is sending user data to servers in China without following EU privacy rules. Germany’s data protection commissioner says the app doesn’t have the right protections to keep sensitive info safe according to EU standards.
The commissioner has officially asked Apple and Google to block DeepSeek AI in Germany’s app stores. This is part of a bigger trend in the EU where countries are more careful about foreign AI apps.
Germany’s main worry is about data protection. Officials say DeepSeek AI hasn’t proven it handles German users’ data according to GDPR rules. Even worse, the app stores user info—like questions and files—on servers in China. This makes people afraid that Chinese authorities might get access to the data, which would break European data privacy laws.
Other EU countries share these concerns. Italy already blocked DeepSeek AI from its app stores earlier this year, and the Netherlands banned it on government devices. These steps show that Europe is united in limiting AI apps that don’t follow strict privacy rules.
Now, Apple and Google are under pressure to act. If they block DeepSeek AI in Germany, it could lead to a bigger ban across the EU. This would affect the app’s worldwide reach and set a clear example for how Europe will regulate AI tools made outside the EU.
The rise and pushback against DeepSeek AI show how important data privacy has become as AI grows in daily life. European regulators are making it clear: following local privacy laws is a must.
This situation also shows the challenge between new technology and rules. As apps like DeepSeek AI get more powerful and popular, governments want to make sure privacy isn’t compromised.
In the coming days, we’ll see if Apple and Google agree with Germany. If they do, it could change how AI apps are shared in Europe and send a strong message to developers everywhere: protecting data privacy is the top priority.
