We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.

Learn more

Advertising Disclosure

Italy Blocks DeepSeek Chatbot Over Privacy Concerns

Image Tim Reckmann, from Flickr

Italy Blocks DeepSeek Chatbot Over Privacy Concerns

Reading time: 2 min

Posted on Feb 2, 2025

Written by Kiara Fabbri Multimedia Journalist
Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Italy’s data protection authority, the Garante, has ordered the Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek to block its chatbot in the country due to unresolved privacy concerns.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

Italy’s Garante blocked DeepSeek’s chatbot over unresolved privacy concerns.
DeepSeek failed to provide sufficient details on its data collection practices.
DeepSeek’s ban comes amid a surge in its app downloads.

The decision, announced on Thursday, follows the company’s failure to provide satisfactory responses regarding its handling of personal data, according to Reuters.

Earlier this week, the Garante demanded that DeepSeek disclose details about its data collection practices, The Record reported.

The regulator sought information on what personal data the company collects, its sources, intended use, and whether it is stored on Chinese servers. It also requested clarification on the legal basis for gathering such data.

According to The Record, DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that user data is stored on servers in China. The Garante also inquired whether the company scrapes personal data from the web and how it notifies users about its data processing practices, as reported by Reuters.

However, the information provided was deemed “totally insufficient,” prompting the enforcement order. DeepSeek has not yet issued a statement in response to the ban, Reuters reported.

The Hacker News highlighted that this is not the first time Italy’s data watchdog has taken action against an AI chatbot. In 2023, the Garante temporarily banned OpenAI’s ChatGPT over similar data privacy concerns.

The restriction was lifted in late April after OpenAI addressed the regulator’s demands, but the company was later fined €15 million for its handling of personal data.

The ban on DeepSeek comes amid a surge in the chatbot’s popularity, with millions of users propelling its mobile apps to the top of download charts.

Kiara Fabbri

Written by: Kiara Fabbri

Hi, I’m Kiara Fabbri a Tech News Writer at WizCase. I'm a multimedia journalist with a keen interest in innovative and immersive news storytelling. Fluent in three languages—Italian, English, and Spanish—I'm deeply engaged in all facets of news reporting. I am currently undertaking a Ph.D. exploring VR applications in journalism. Following my studies in psychology (BSc) and political psychology (MSc), I embarked on a three-year journey across South America. During this time, I undertook a 4000 km solo bicycle trip from Chile to Brazil. There, I camped, cooked on the road, and volunteered in various facilities. It was during these travels that I discovered my passion for journalism. Subsequently, I pursued a Master's program in journalism innovation and enterprise. My career in journalism has seen me produce VR immersive experiences covering a range of topics. These include documenting an Anti Militaristic raid of a NATO Base, life in the Brazilian Favelas, the recent violent protest clashes in Buenos Aires and finally social projects run by Skaters in the Argentinian ghettos. In addition to my journalistic endeavours, I also practice parkour, a discipline I have cultivated over several years now. I love to make the most of this skill in my journalistic style; for example, it has enabled me to capture dynamic footage from heights during the recent violent clashes in Buenos Aires. There, I scaled heights and employed a long stick on my camera to create aerial 360° views. Through my dedication to pushing the boundaries of journalism, I am committed to amplifying voices, sparking meaningful conversations, and driving positive change in the world.

Did you like this article? Rate it!

I hated it I don't really like it It was ok Pretty good! Loved it!

We're thrilled you enjoyed our work!

As a valued reader, would you mind giving us a shoutout on Trustpilot? It's quick and means the world to us. Thank you for being amazing!

Rate us on Trustpilot

0 Voted by 0 users

Title

Your email Please enter a valid email address.

Comment

Thanks for your feedback

Please wait 5 minutes before posting another comment.

Comment sent for approval.

Leave a Comment

Show more...

Share & Support

WizCase is reader-supported so we may receive a commission when you buy through links on our site. You do not pay extra for anything you buy on our site — our commission comes directly from the product owner. Some providers are owned by our parent company. Learn moreWizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article..