HIGHLIGHTS

The finance ministry has enacted an internal advisory, limiting government employees’ use of AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for any official activities.

This measure is part of the government’s broader initiative to protect sensitive data and confidential documents from the potential dangers associated with these technologies.

The timing of this advisory is noteworthy, as it was issued just days prior to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s anticipated visit to India.

The finance ministry has introduced an internal advisory that limits the usage of AI tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek for government employees engaged in official tasks. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of confidential information and sensitive documents from various risks presented by these AI technologies.

According to the advisory from the Indian finance ministry, dated January 29, it has been assessed that the use of AI applications and tools (including ChatGPT and DeepSeek) on government computers and devices can compromise the confidentiality of (government) data and documents. This has raised significant concern within government circles (reported by Reuters).

With the increasing integration of AI technology into everyday functions, numerous governments across the globe are beginning to acknowledge the urgent need to address potential data security vulnerabilities. Various countries are proactively introducing policies and guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with using AI in sensitive environments.

Additionally, readers might find interest in the related story: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman set to meet PM Modi this week: Here are the details.

This latest move follows similar restrictions that have been put into place in other nations, including Australia and Italy, where similar safeguards have been adopted around the use of DeepSeek due to associated security concerns.

The timing of the finance ministry’s advisory is particularly intriguing, as it coincides closely with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s impending visit to India. During this trip, Altman is anticipated to engage with India’s IT minister to discuss potential collaboration and advancements in AI technology.

To clarify, the finance ministry has affirmed that the advisory is authentic and was distributed internally to staff this week, highlighting the government’s serious approach to the implications of AI technologies in official processes.

Further reading can also be found here: OpenAI facing legal challenges in India: Here’s the situation.

This advisory comes amid ongoing legal disputes for OpenAI in India, notably involving a significant copyright infringement case with some of the nation’s largest media companies. OpenAI has contended that because its servers are located outside of India, Indian courts should not be empowered to address the case.

As the integration of AI tools expands across multiple industries, it is expected that discussions surrounding data privacy and security will intensify, remaining a crucial focus for governments globally. The balance between embracing innovation and protecting confidential data will continue to be an ongoing challenge for many administrations.

For more details on the potential repercussions of AI technology, consider reading: Accident or cover-up? Allegations of OpenAI deleting potential evidence in copyright case.