Italy's privacy watchdog blocks Chinese AI app

31/1/2025 6:22

Italy's data protection

authority said on Thursday it had blocked Chinese artificial

intelligence model DeepSeek over a lack of information on its

use of personal data.



DeepSeek could not be accessed on Wednesday in Apple or

Google app stores in Italy, the day after the authority, known

also as the Garante, requested information on its use of

personal data.



The authority's measure - aimed at protecting Italian users'

data - came after the Chinese companies that supply chatbot

service to DeepSeek provided information that "was considered to

totally insufficient," the authority said in a note on its

website.



The Garante added that the decision had "immediate effect"

and that it had also opened an investigation.



Reuters could not immediately reach DeepSeek for a comment.