First ban on DeepSeek comes from Europe: Data security cited as reason

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The Italian Data Protection Authority (GPDP) has decided to suspend access to the chatbot service of the China-based company DeepSeek. The decision was implemented to protect the data of Italian users.

In a statement from the GPDP, it was noted that DeepSeek provided insufficient information regarding its data processing procedures. This situation led to the immediate suspension of the company's operations in Italy. It was also noted that an investigation into DeepSeek has been launched.

DeepSeek was an artificial intelligence company in China supported by the High-Flyer Capital Management fund. The Chinese startup launched its DeepSeek R1 model, which it developed using low costs and a small number of chips, in January.

This model quickly became popular worldwide, surpassing the US-based ChatGPT.

WHAT IS THE DEEPSEEK INCIDENT?

DeepSeek's low-cost artificial intelligence solutions have fueled debates over the dominance of Western companies in the sector. This development caused selling pressure on technology stocks in global markets.

Italy's decision regarding DeepSeek has shown that artificial intelligence technologies may be subject to stricter regulations regarding data privacy and security. However, Italy had not previously taken such a decision against other artificial intelligence models.

The GPDP had previously imposed a similar access ban on OpenAI's ChatGPT application in March 2023. This ban was lifted in April 2023 following OpenAI's commitments to protect user privacy. Whether DeepSeek will go through a similar process remains a subject of curiosity.

News Source: 12punto