---
title: "Italy's privacy watchdog blocks Chinese AI app DeepSeek"
description: "MILAN, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Italy's data protection authority said on Thursday it had blocked Chinese artificial intelligence model DeepSeek over a lack of information on its use of personal data."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-30-italys-privacy-watchdog-blocks-chinese-ai-app-deepseek/"
published: "2025-01-30T22:00:01"
updated: "2025-01-30T22:00:03"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 109
---

# Italy's privacy watchdog blocks Chinese AI app DeepSeek

> MILAN, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Italy's data protection authority said on Thursday it had blocked Chinese artificial intelligence model DeepSeek over a lack of information on its use of personal data.

By Reuters · Published 31 January 2025, 00:00 SAST · Updated 31 January 2025, 00:00 SAST

## Key points
- In a dramatic twist worthy of a tech thriller, Italy's Garante has pulled the plug on DeepSeek in the app stores faster than you can say "privacy breach," after the chatbot's Chinese suppliers delivered a data protection dossier that was about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
- DeepSeek app removed from Apple and Google stores in Italy following data privacy concerns.
- Italian data authority, Garante, demanded clarification on DeepSeek's personal data usage.
- Insufficient information from Chinese chatbot suppliers prompted immediate action from Garante.
- Investigation launched as DeepSeek remains unresponsive to media inquiries.

## Content

DeepSeek could not be accessed on Wednesday in Apple or Google app stores in Italy, the day after the authority, known also as the Garante, requested information on its use of personal data.

The authority's measure - aimed at protecting Italian users' data - came after the Chinese companies that supply chatbot service to DeepSeek provided information that "was considered to totally insufficient," the authority said in a note on its website.

The Garante added that the decision had "immediate effect" and that it had also opened an investigation.

Reuters could not immediately reach DeepSeek for a comment.

(Reporting by Sara Rossi; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Sandra Maler)