The AI sensation DeepSeek has been removed from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in Italy, with the alligators of web scraping activities. On Wednesday, Italian users trying to download the app received messages saying it was “currently not available” in their country on Apple’s store and “not supported” on Google’s platform.
On "Data Protection Day," the Italian Data Protection Authority decided to remove DeepSeek AI from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. Just a few days after the cyberattack on DeepSeek, it got banned in Italy. The sudden removal of DeepSeek AI follows an inquiry by Italy’s data protection authority regarding the app’s data collection, its sources, intended use, legal basis, and storage practices". The patron for the protection of personal data has sent a request for information to Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence, the companies that provide the DeepSeek chatbot service, both on the web platform and on the App. The company has been given 20 days to respond.
The Authority, considering the potential high risk for the data of millions of people in Italy, has asked the two companies and their affiliates to confirm which personal data are collected, from which sources, for which purposes, what is the legal basis of the processing, and whether they are stored on servers located in China. Italian Data Protection Authority wants to clear each possible aspect
Sam Altman stated “the importance of advancing AI technology in the U.S. to maintain leadership in the global AI landscape.” but now is facing web scraping activities. Just a few days after the cyberattack on DeepSeek, it got banned in Italy as the next attack, ruining its popularity in the AI market and stopping it from leading the AI market.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI application, has recently raised significant concerns regarding U.S. national security. This is largely due to its practice of collecting and storing user data on servers situated in China. Analyses indicate that its AI model, R1, incorporates censorship mechanisms, especially concerning topics considered sensitive by the Chinese government. These developments highlight the intricate challenges that emerge at the crossroads of technological advancement, data privacy, and national security.
The U.S. Navy has proactively banned its personnel from using DeepSeek due to concerns over security and ethics. The swift rise of DeepSeek AI has sparked conversations about the need for regulatory oversight, competitive practices, and data security.
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