Chinese AI startup Dipseek has come under strict scrutiny in Europe, with Italy banning its chatbot app from the App Store and Google Play Store due to serious data privacy concerns. The move follows an investigation by Italy’s Data Protection Authority (DPA), which raised alarms over how the app collects and stores user data.
The first complaint came from Euroconsumers, a European consumer rights organization, which questioned Dipseek’s data management and privacy policies. In response, Italy’s DPA demanded a detailed explanation from Dipseek, giving the company 20 days to comply. However, regulators found Dipseek’s response inadequate and vague, leading to an immediate ban on data collection from Italian users.
Dipseek’s privacy policy states that user data may be stored on Chinese servers, a concern that has fueled fears over potential access by Chinese authorities. While the company claims full compliance with data protection laws, European regulators remain skeptical.
The controversy has reached global levels, with U.S. officials also investigating whether Dipseek poses a national security risk. The U.S. Navy has already prohibited its personnel from using the app, fearing it could expose sensitive data to China.
Although Italy has removed Dipseek from its app stores, the company’s open-source AI model remains accessible, allowing users to download and run it independently.
