Investigation opened into possible privacy violations by DeepSeek

Investigation opened into possible privacy violations by DeepSeek
© deepseek.aiassistant.com

An investigation has been launched into the Chinese AI model DeepSeek for potential breaches of European data protection regulations (GDPR), following a complaint from consumer organisation Testaankoop.

Testaankoop’s analysis indicates that DeepSeek may not be compliant with European privacy rules: the organisation claims that a large amount of personal data is stored on servers in China.

On Thursday, the Belgian Data Protection Authority (GBA) found the complaint admissible and referred it to the Disputes Committee. After an analysis, the committee assigned the case to the Inspection Service for further investigation.

“We are pleased with the swift response of our Data Protection Authority," said Testaankoop’s spokesperson Laura Clays. "Protecting and controlling our personal data is one of our most fundamental rights.”

Following complaints in Italy and Belgium, Testaankoop’s sister organisation in Portugal, Deco Proteste, also filed a complaint with the Portuguese Data Protection Authority against DeepSeek.

Italy has already opened an investigation into the matter.

The launch of DeepSeek caused a stir in the AI world this week. The language model is reportedly just as effective, but more cost-efficient and energy-saving than the popular ChatGPT developed by US competitor OpenAI.

Unlike ChatGPT, DeepSeek is entirely free to use, gaining immediate popularity.


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