Germany Orders DeepSeek Removal Over Data Concerns

Germany's data protection commissioner has formally requested Apple and Google to remove the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their app stores, citing unlawful user data transfers to China and inadequate protection standards. Commissioner Meike Kamp stated DeepSeek failed to prove German users' data is protected to EU-equivalent standards, noting Chinese authorities have extensive access rights to personal data. The regulator invoked the EU's Digital Services Act after DeepSeek ignored previous requests to comply or withdraw voluntarily. This action follows similar removals in Italy and restrictions in the Netherlands, and comes amid growing scrutiny over DeepSeek's alleged data-sharing with Chinese military and intelligence services. Experts warn the case could trigger an EU-wide ban. Neither DeepSeek, Apple, nor Google have commented publicly on the request.