DeepSeek, the Chinese AI chatbot, is facing a potential ban from Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store in Germany due to regulatory concerns over data privacy. The Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, Meike Kamp, has requested that Apple and Google consider removing the app, citing that DeepSeek's data handling practices violate the European Union's (EU) data protection laws.
Kamp argues that DeepSeek processes extensive user data, including chat histories, uploaded files, and details about location, devices, and networks, and transfers this information to servers in China. She asserts that this transfer of user data to China is unlawful because DeepSeek has failed to provide sufficient evidence that German users' data is protected in China at a level equivalent to that within the EU. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates that data transferred outside the EU must maintain the same level of protection as within the EU. Kamp also highlighted that Chinese authorities have broad access rights to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies.
The commissioner's office initially requested DeepSeek to modify its data transfer practices for non-EU data transfers or withdraw from the German market in early May, but DeepSeek did not comply. Consequently, Kamp has now turned to Apple and Google to consider a ban. Google has confirmed receipt of the notice and is currently evaluating it. Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment. DeepSeek has also not commented on the matter.
This potential ban in Germany follows similar actions taken by other countries. Earlier in 2025, Italy blocked DeepSeek due to a lack of information regarding its data collection practices. The Netherlands has also banned the app on government devices. Furthermore, in February 2025, Australia's Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs mandated that all government entities prevent access, use, or installation of DeepSeek products on government systems. In the United States, the White House is reportedly considering measures to restrict DeepSeek, including banning its chatbot from government devices, due to national security concerns.
DeepSeek gained attention in January after it claimed to have developed an AI model that rivaled those of U.S. companies like OpenAI, but at a significantly lower cost. However, its data security policies have since faced increased scrutiny in both the U.S. and Europe.
The situation in Germany could have broader implications for DeepSeek in Europe and the UK. Matt Holman, an AI and data lawyer at Cripps, suggested that this move "could lead to an EU-wide ban because the rules that apply in Germany are the same elsewhere in the EU and also in the UK".
