Germany tells Apple, Google to block DeepSeek as the Chinese AI app faces rising pressure in Europe

Published: Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:09 am

**Germany Urges Apple and Google to Consider Blocking Chinese AI App DeepSeek**

Berlin's data protection authority has requested that Apple and Google review the Chinese AI application DeepSeek for potential violations. The German regulator has informed the tech giants of alleged issues and expects a "timely review" to determine whether the app should be removed from their respective app stores.

The specific nature of the alleged violations has not been disclosed. It remains uncertain whether Apple and Google will comply with the request. Both companies have been contacted for comment.

An EU-wide ban on DeepSeek is possible, but would require consensus among the bloc's regulators. If Apple and Google remove DeepSeek from their app stores, it would effectively constitute an EU-wide ban.

The implications for DeepSeek could be significant. Access to German citizens' data would be curtailed. This could expand to the rest of the EU if other national regulators take similar action, potentially impacting the EU and UK markets.

This is not the first time DeepSeek has faced regulatory scrutiny in Europe. Italian data protection authorities previously ordered the app to be blocked in Italy. Irish authorities also requested information from DeepSeek regarding its data processing practices.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation highlights the growing concerns surrounding data privacy and the use of AI applications, particularly those originating from outside the EU. While the potential for an EU-wide ban raises questions about market access and international competition, it also underscores the importance of safeguarding user data and ensuring compliance with European regulations. A balanced approach is needed, one that protects citizens' rights while fostering innovation and avoiding unnecessary restrictions on legitimate businesses.

Keywords:

DeepSeek, AI app, Germany, Apple, Google, data protection, EU, ban, regulation, privacy, Chinese, Italy, Ireland, data processing

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