Italy’s data protection authority, the Garante, has blocked access to the Chinese AI app DeepSeek due to insufficient information on its handling of personal data.

The decision took effect on Jan. 30, 2025, removing the app from Apple and Google stores in Italy.

The Garante had request details on the type of data collected, its sources, purposes, legal basis, and whether it is stored in China.

However, the authority deemed the responses from DeepSeek’s associated companies to be insufficient.

The Garante has also launched a formal investigation into the app.

DeepSeek has not yet commented on the regulatory action.