Italy Blocks DeepSeek AI Application Over Data Concerns
DeepSeek’s new chatbot has significantly impacted the ongoing race in artificial intelligence technology.
MILAN (AP) — On Thursday, Italy's data protection authority made the decision to block access to the Chinese AI application DeepSeek, citing concerns over the protection of users' data. The authority, known as Garante, also announced an investigation into the companies responsible for the chatbot.
The Garante expressed dissatisfaction with DeepSeek's responses to its initial inquiries regarding the collection and storage of personal data, as well as the mechanisms in place to inform users about these practices.
According to the statement issued by the Garante, "Contrary to the authority’s findings, the companies declared that they do not operate in Italy, and that European legislation does not apply to them.” This is particularly concerning as the app has reportedly been downloaded by millions of users worldwide within just a few days.
DeepSeek’s new chatbot has raised the stakes in the AI technology race, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to established American generative AI leaders while offering its services at a significantly lower cost.
Italy, DeepSeek, AI