The Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information has flagged the DeepSeek AI application as unlawful content within Apple and Google’s platforms in Germany. As data protection professionals are aware, handling users’ personal data according to the GDPR is of utmost importance, and the implications of failing to do so are significant.
Key Observations:
– Data Transfer Concerns: The core issue lies in the unwarranted transfer of personal data from DeepSeek’s users in Germany to processors in China. The application, managed by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd. located in Beijing, does not uphold GDPR standards for data transfers outside the EU. Without an EU adequacy decision or appropriate safeguards, such transfers compromise data protection requirements.
– Lack of Compliance Measures: DeepSeek reportedly processes extensive personal data, such as text inputs, chat histories, and location data, without providing sufficient evidence that data protection measures equivalent to the EU’s are implemented in China. This raises compliance concerns under GDPR Article 46—a critical guideline for international data transfers.
– Enforcement Actions: In response to non-compliance, the Berlin Data Protection Officer has alerted Google and Apple to investigate and potentially suspend the application. This follows a previous demand on May 6, 2025, requesting DeepSeek to voluntarily remove their apps from local stores and halt unlawful data transfers.
– Multilateral Coordination: The intervention is carried out in close collaboration with data protection authorities in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bremen, along with the Federal Network Agency’s coordination body for digital services in Germany. This consolidated effort emphasizes the commitment to uphold data protection integrity across jurisdictions.
The current situation underscores the importance of proper safeguarding of personal data across borders—a responsibility that professionals in the field must continually monitor. The Berlin Data Protection Officer’s decisive actions serve as a reminder of the stringent regulations and the ongoing need for vigilance in digital operations involving personal data.
For further details, access the original source link here: [Berlin Data Protection and Information Freedom News Release](https://www.datenschutz-berlin.de/pressemitteilung/berliner-datenschutzbeauftragte-meldet-ki-app-deepseek-in-deutschland-bei-apple-und-google-als-rechtswidrigen-inhalt/).