• Source:JND
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The Chinese artificial intelligence app DeepSeek AI has been removed from Apple’s App Store and Google Play in Italy and Ireland. This move comes just days after regulatory authorities in both countries raised concerns about how the app handles user data. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission stated that it had also requested information from DeepSeek regarding its data processing practices concerning Irish users.

Why Was DeepSeek AI Blocked?

Italy’s data protection agency, Garante, has launched an investigation into DeepSeek’s data collection practices. It has asked the company to clarify what personal data is being gathered, its source, its purpose, and whether it is stored in China. The company has been given 20 days to respond.

Similarly, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has also requested details on how DeepSeek processes data from Irish users.

The sudden removal of DeepSeek AI from app stores comes amid growing global concerns over data privacy, particularly regarding companies based in China.

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DeepSeek’s Rapid Rise

DeepSeek AI made headlines when it launched a free AI assistant, claiming it is more efficient and cost-effective than existing AI models. Within days, it surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in downloads on Apple’s App Store, causing a stir among tech investors.

However, this rapid success has also drawn regulatory attention. Reports suggest that DeepSeek collects user data, including IP addresses and chat logs, raising concerns about potential privacy risks.

Indian Government on DeepSeek AI

DeepSeek AI has significantly disrupted the AI landscape by developing an advanced model in just two months with a budget of under $6 million. This efficiency has challenged the perception that China lags behind the US in AI development.

While discussing India’s growth narrative and the 'Digital India' initiative with CNBC-TV18, India's IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that India will soon host DeepSeek on its servers, as anything open-source can be hosted. He also mentioned that India is working on developing its own AI foundational model, similar to ChatGPT, Gemini, and DeepSeek, with the large language model (LLM) expected to be ready within 10 months.

Union Minister Vaishnaw also emphasised that hosting DeepSeek on Indian servers would address privacy concerns.

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However, the IT Ministry has clarified that DeepSeek does not pose a threat to the country’s security policies. A senior source in the Ministry of Information Technology denied claims that DeepSeek poses a risk to India or that sensitive data is being transferred from India to China, as reported by Jagran.com.

Furthermore, India’s IT Minister praised the Chinese startup DeepSeek for disrupting the AI sector with its low-cost AI assistant, likening its frugal approach to the Indian government’s efforts to build a localised AI model. In March, India announced a $1.25 billion AI investment under the IndiaAI mission, which includes funding for AI startups and AI infrastructure development.

"Some people question the amount of investment the government has committed to the IndiaAI mission. Have you seen what DeepSeek has achieved? $5.5 million and a very, very powerful model, because of the use of brainpower," Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday at an event in the eastern state of Odisha.

What’s Next for DeepSeek AI?

While DeepSeek AI’s removal from app stores in Italy and Ireland is a setback, the app remains available in other regions. However, as data privacy concerns continue to grow, more countries may take similar action.

The global debate over data security and AI regulation is far from over, and DeepSeek AI’s case could set a precedent for how AI companies handle user information worldwide.