• Germany has requested Apple and Google to remove DeepSeek from app stores.
• The app allegedly unlawfully transmits German user data to China.
• DeepSeek has been under scrutiny for its data security policies in Europe and the U.S.

Germany's data protection commissioner, Meike Kamp, has formally requested that both Apple and Google remove the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from their app stores due to serious concerns regarding data protection. According to Kamp, the app illegally transfers users' personal data to China, and the companies must assess this request promptly to determine future actions, though a specific timeline was not provided for their decision, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Kamp highlighted that DeepSeek has not convincingly demonstrated that the data protection for German users meets European Union standards. “Chinese authorities have far-reaching access rights to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies,” she stated, emphasizing serious doubts regarding the app's data handling policies. The commissioner had previously asked DeepSeek to comply with regulations to avoid expulsion, which the company failed to do, as reported by South China Morning Post and India Times.

DeepSeek gained attention earlier this year after claiming to have developed an AI model that rivals those of established firms, offering its service at lower costs. It has faced regulatory scrutiny not only in Germany but also in nations like Italy and the Netherlands, with Italy already blocking the app due to similar concerns regarding data protection. US lawmakers are also considering legislation that would prevent executive agencies from utilizing AI models developed in China, raising further implications for companies like DeepSeek operating in the technology sector, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.