ROME Italy’s data protection authority, the Garante, has ordered an immediate block on the Chinese artificial intelligence chatbot DeepSeek, citing severe privacy concerns and a lack of transparency in handling user data as reported by Reuters. The regulator’s decision comes amid increasing European scrutiny over the AI startup’s data practices, with additional investigations now being launched into possible violations of European data protection laws.
The Garante stated that DeepSeek had failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding the nature of personal data it collects, its sources, storage locations, and whether user information is transferred to China. Officials fear the chatbot may be harvesting sensitive data without clear consent, potentially exposing European users to foreign surveillance and cybersecurity risks.
Deepening Suspicions Over Data Misuse
Regulators suspect that DeepSeek may be engaging in extensive data scraping from social media, search engines, and other public and private sources to train its AI models. Investigators are also examining whether the chatbot retains user conversations and employs hidden tracking mechanisms to monitor interactions beyond what is disclosed in its privacy policy.
Further concerns have emerged regarding DeepSeek’s potential ties to Chinese state entities, raising alarms about possible government influence over data access and usage. Analysts warn that the startup’s competitive edge—offering AI models at a fraction of the cost of U.S. rivals—could be linked to undisclosed government subsidies or access to vast, unregulated datasets.
Regulator: DeepSeek “Worsened Its Position”
In its response to Italian authorities, DeepSeek claimed it was not subject to local regulations and had no obligation to disclose its data handling practices. This dismissive stance further alarmed regulators, prompting them to issue an immediate block order and escalate the case.
“Not only did DeepSeek’s response fail to provide any reassurance, but it actually worsened their position,” said Agostino Ghiglia, a board member of the Italian data authority. “Their refusal to cooperate indicates a deliberate attempt to bypass European privacy standards, which is unacceptable.”
Despite the ban, some Italian users reported that they could still access DeepSeek’s services via previously downloaded mobile applications and the web version. Authorities are now exploring additional enforcement measures, including working with internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict access at the network level.
European Regulators Intensify Scrutiny
Italy’s Garante is coordinating with data regulators in France and Ireland, both of whom have also launched inquiries into DeepSeek’s privacy practices. A broader EU-wide investigation is now being considered, which could lead to a bloc-wide ban or substantial fines under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
DeepSeek’s Threat to Global AI Dominance
DeepSeek, which recently overtook OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the top-rated free app on Apple’s U.S. App Store, has positioned itself as a disruptive force in the AI industry. The company claims its models match or outperform Western counterparts while operating at significantly lower costs.
However, industry experts warn that DeepSeek’s rise may not be as organic as it appears. Investigators are probing whether the company benefited from privileged access to Chinese state databases, which could have provided an unfair advantage in AI training. Additionally, cybersecurity specialists are evaluating whether DeepSeek’s technology poses a potential backdoor risk for foreign intelligence operations.
The Battle Over Data Sovereignty
Italy’s crackdown on DeepSeek highlights growing European concerns over data sovereignty and the security implications of foreign AI dominance. Regulators argue that personal data processed in China lacks the same legal protections as in Europe, making it vulnerable to government access without user consent.
“Citizens have the right to know how their data is being used and stored,” Ghiglia emphasized. “And servers in China do not offer the guarantees that Europe does.”
Italy’s Garante has a track record of leading AI-related regulatory actions, having previously imposed a temporary ban on Microsoft-backed ChatGPT in 2023 over similar privacy concerns. The latest move against DeepSeek signals Europe’s increasing willingness to take strong action against AI providers that fail to comply with strict data protection laws.
With the investigation expanding and European regulators intensifying their scrutiny, DeepSeek faces mounting pressure to either comply with GDPR standards or risk being shut out of key Western markets.
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