Italy has blocked Deepseek. Recently, the Italian data protection authority, Garante, sent a list of questions to the Chinese AI startup Deepseek. They wanted to know how Deepseek processes the data of Italian users. Specifically, they asked which personal data is collected, from which sources, for what purposes, on what legal basis, and whether this data is stored in China.
Deepseek responded, but not in the way Garante expected. According to Reuters, Deepseek failed to address the concerns about its privacy policies. Instead, the information provided was deemed “completely inadequate” by Garante. Deepseek even claimed it was not under Garante’s jurisdiction and therefore not obliged to provide information to the regulatory authority.
Agostino Ghiglia, a board member of the Italian data protection authority, stated, “Deepseek’s response not only failed to reassure us but worsened the company’s position. This is why we decided to order the block.” He added that if no cooperation occurs, Deepseek will remain blocked in Italy.
After receiving the blocking order, Deepseek made its app inaccessible to Italian users. The regulatory authority stressed that the order should be implemented immediately. An investigation has been initiated, and data protection authorities in Ireland and France are also scrutinizing Deepseek’s chatbot privacy policies. In the past, Garante took similar actions against ChatGPT, temporarily blocking it in Italy until OpenAI complied with certain privacy requirements.
Meanwhile, Deepseek’s chatbot continues to rise in popularity. It has surpassed its rival, ChatGPT, becoming the top-rated free app in the Apple App Store in the USA. Deepseek claims its newly introduced AI models are on par with or even better than industry-leading models. This claim, coupled with Deepseek’s availability at a fraction of competitors’ costs, could potentially disrupt the technological landscape.
The ongoing scrutiny of Deepseek’s privacy practices highlights the growing importance of data protection in the world of AI. As AI technologies become more integrated into daily life, ensuring that user data is handled responsibly and transparently becomes crucial. Regulatory authorities like Garante play a vital role in enforcing these standards and holding companies accountable.
Deepseek’s situation serves as a reminder of the challenges companies face when expanding globally. Navigating different countries’ regulations and expectations requires careful attention and adaptation. Companies must be prepared to address concerns and comply with local laws to operate smoothly across borders.
The case also underscores the competitive nature of the AI industry. With new players like Deepseek emerging, established companies must continuously innovate to maintain their market position. As AI technology evolves, the race to develop more advanced, efficient, and cost-effective solutions will only intensify.
In conclusion, Deepseek’s experience in Italy is a lesson in the complexities of international business and the critical role of data protection. As AI continues to shape the future, regulatory oversight will be essential to ensuring that technology serves the public’s best interests while respecting users’ rights and privacy.
