Controversial DeepSeek App Removed in Italy: A Stirring Debate Surrounds Its Fate


January 30, 2025 by our News Team

DeepSeek, a previously unknown AI model with promising performance and open-source availability, has caused concern and sparked an investigation into its data protection practices after being removed from app stores in Italy.

  • DeepSeek's AI model, R1, promises high performance at a fraction of the cost of other models like OpenAI's o1.
  • DeepSeek is completely open source, allowing for transparency and potential for improvement.
  • The situation surrounding DeepSeek raises important questions about data privacy and the potential risks associated with AI models originating from certain countries.


DeepSeek has been stirring up the news lately, emerging unexpectedly in the market. This previously unknown name has suddenly become the talk of the town, all thanks to its AI model, known as R1. Promising performance on par with or even surpassing OpenAI’s o1 model, and at a fraction of the cost, DeepSeek is also completely open source. Its success has caused some concern in various markets, even leading to drops in the US stock market.

However, many are worried about the amount of data that could potentially be sent to China, considering that it is where the model originates and where its servers are currently located. And now, one of the first setbacks may have just occurred. DeepSeek is currently inaccessible from Italy, as local authorities have expressed concerns about possible privacy violations. The Italian Data Protection Authority, known as Garante, has confirmed that it is examining how DeepSeek collects and processes users’ personal data.

The authority wants to understand what data is truly being collected and how it is processed within the company’s systems. One of the main concerns is how data protection is ensured within the systems in China. Pasquale Stanzione, the director of Garante, stated that he is unaware of the reason why the DeepSeek app has been removed from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. He also mentioned that it is a regular practice to initiate an investigation into entities of this nature.

Garante has given DeepSeek 20 days to respond to several questions before launching a more in-depth investigation into the company’s data protection practices. However, once the investigation began, the platform’s app became unavailable to Italian users. Those who have previously downloaded the app can still continue using it. Furthermore, the app remains fully accessible in several other regions of the European Union.

The situation surrounding DeepSeek raises important questions about data privacy and the potential risks associated with AI models originating from certain countries. As users, it is crucial to be aware of how our personal data is collected, processed, and protected. While the investigation in Italy unfolds, it will be interesting to see how DeepSeek addresses these concerns and whether it can regain the trust of users and authorities alike.

About Our Team

Our team comprises industry insiders with extensive experience in computers, semiconductors, games, and consumer electronics. With decades of collective experience, we’re committed to delivering timely, accurate, and engaging news content to our readers.

Background Information


About Apple:

Apple Inc., known for its iconic products, was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976. The company has since revolutionized the technology landscape with innovations like the Macintosh computer, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and more. for its emphasis on design, user experience, and ecosystem integration, Apple's devices and software have made a profound impact on various industries. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Apple remains a global technology leader.

Apple website  Apple LinkedIn
Latest Articles about Apple

About Google:

Google, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998, is a multinational technology company known for its internet-related services and products. Initially for its search engine, Google has since expanded into various domains including online advertising, cloud computing, software development, and hardware devices. With its innovative approach, Google has introduced influential products such as Google Search, Android OS, Google Maps, and Google Drive. The company's commitment to research and development has led to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Google website  Google LinkedIn
Latest Articles about Google




Leave a Reply