Artificial Intelligence: Privacy Guarantor Blocks DeepSeek

Purpose

The Garante per la protezione dei dati personali has issued an urgent order to limit the treatment of user data in Italy for Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence, two Chinese companies providing the chatbot service DeepSeek. This decision aims to protect the data of Italian users and follows a communication from the companies that was deemed insufficient.

Effects on Industry

The limitation of DeepSeek’s operation in Italy is expected to have significant effects on the industry, particularly for companies offering similar AI-powered chatbot services. The move may lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of foreign companies operating in Italy, potentially setting a precedent for future enforcement actions. Furthermore, the decision may influence how Italian users perceive the use of AI-powered services, potentially impacting user adoption and loyalty.

Relevant Stakeholders

This update affects various stakeholders, including:

• Users: The order directly impacts millions of Italians who have downloaded the DeepSeek app, limiting their ability to interact with the service.
• Companies: Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence will need to adjust their business strategies in response to the Garante’s decision.
• Regulators: The Garante per la protezione dei dati personali has set a precedent for regulating foreign companies operating in Italy, potentially influencing future enforcement actions.
• Industry Experts: This development may prompt industry experts and researchers to reassess the implications of AI-powered services on user data protection.

Next Steps

To comply with or respond to this update:

1. Companies: Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence will need to adjust their business strategies in response to the Garante’s decision.
2. Users: Users who have downloaded the DeepSeek app may experience limitations in their ability to interact with the service.
3. Regulators: The Garante per la protezione dei dati personali has set a precedent for regulating foreign companies operating in Italy, potentially influencing future enforcement actions.

Any Other Relevant Information

In addition to the above information:

• Historical Context: This development may be seen as an extension of previous efforts by European regulators to protect user data and promote transparency in the use of AI-powered services.
• Future Actions: The Garante per la protezione dei dati personali has opened an investigation into DeepSeek’s activities, potentially leading to further enforcement actions or regulatory changes.