Italy has blocked Deepseek. Recently, the Italian data protection authority, Garante, sent a questionnaire to the Chinese AI startup Deepseek to get answers about how they process the data of Italian users. The authority wanted to know what personal data is collected, from which sources, for what purposes, on what legal basis, and whether the data is stored in China.
Deepseek, however, questioned the jurisdiction of the data protection authority. Deepseek responded, but not in the way Garante expected. According to Reuters, Deepseek could not address the concerns about its privacy policies. Instead, they provided information considered “completely inadequate,” as Garante said in a statement. Deepseek even argued that it did not fall under Garante’s jurisdiction and therefore was not required to provide information to the regulatory authority.
“Deepseek’s response not only failed to reassure us but worsened the company’s position, which is why we decided to order the blocking,” Agostino Ghiglia, a board member of the Italian data protection authority, explained to Reuters. He added, “If there is no cooperation, Deepseek will remain blocked in Italy.”
After receiving the blocking order, Deepseek made its app inaccessible to Italian users. The regulatory authority had previously indicated that the order should be implemented immediately. An investigation was also launched. Data protection authorities in Ireland and France have also targeted Deepseek due to the privacy policies of its chatbot. Garante had previously taken similar actions against ChatGPT, which was temporarily blocked in Italy in 2023 until OpenAI met certain privacy requirements.
Meanwhile, Deepseek’s success continues. The Chinese AI chatbot has surpassed its rival ChatGPT and has become the top-rated free app in the Apple App Store in the USA. Deepseek claims its newly introduced AI models are as good as or better than the leading industry models. This is significant because Deepseek is available at a fraction of the cost of its competitors, potentially disrupting the technological status quo.
Deepseek’s journey highlights the challenges and complexities of data privacy in the digital age. As AI technologies evolve, they must navigate a landscape where data protection laws vary significantly across countries. Companies like Deepseek must ensure compliance with local regulations to maintain their global presence.
The Italian data protection authority’s actions underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in data processing. Companies must be clear about how they handle user data, where it is stored, and for what purposes it is used. Failure to provide adequate information can lead to regulatory actions, including blocking access to services.
Deepseek’s case serves as a reminder that while AI technologies offer immense potential, they also come with responsibilities. Companies must prioritize user privacy and work collaboratively with regulatory bodies to address concerns. This ensures that technological advancements benefit society without compromising individual rights.
As Deepseek navigates these challenges, it will be crucial for the company to engage with regulators and address the issues raised. By doing so, Deepseek can continue to innovate while respecting user privacy and complying with international data protection standards.
The situation with Deepseek also highlights the need for harmonized data protection laws that can provide clear guidelines for companies operating globally. Such harmonization would help companies like Deepseek navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure consistent protection for users worldwide.
Ultimately, the success of AI technologies like Deepseek depends on their ability to balance innovation with responsibility. By prioritizing user privacy and transparency, companies can build trust and ensure the sustainable growth of AI technologies in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
