Hours after Italian authorities requested information from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek about its user data handling practices, the company's app has mysteriously disappeared from both Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store.

The sudden removal of the app, which had claimed the top spot in download charts in multiple countries, including the US, raises concerns about the company's compliance with European data protection regulations. A consumer coalition called Euroconsumers had filed a complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority (DPA) regarding DeepSeek's personal data handling practices, prompting the authorities to investigate.

The Italian DPA has given DeepSeek a 20-day deadline to respond to its inquiry, which focuses on the company's storage of user information in servers located in China. According to DeepSeek's privacy policy, the company claims to transfer personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws. However, the policy has sparked concerns among European watchdogs, who have emphasized the need for all services to respect the region's AI and data protection rules.

While Apple and Google have not commented on the story, the removal of the app from their stores suggests that they may be taking a cautious approach to avoid any potential fallout from the ongoing investigation. The incident highlights the growing scrutiny of AI startups and their data handling practices, particularly in the wake of increasing concerns about data privacy and security.

The development also underscores the challenges faced by Chinese tech companies operating in Europe, where data protection regulations are stricter than in many other regions. As the use of AI technology continues to grow, regulators and watchdogs are likely to intensify their scrutiny of companies like DeepSeek, which could have significant implications for the industry as a whole.

In the broader context, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for tech companies to prioritize transparency and accountability in their data handling practices. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, companies will need to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and user expectations, or risk facing the consequences of non-compliance.