India’s Finance Ministry has prohibited employees from using AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, citing risks to government confidentiality. This advisory emerged just before OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s visit to India. Similar bans have been observed internationally, particularly by countries wary of data security.
The Finance Ministry of India has instructed its employees to refrain from utilizing AI tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek for official tasks. This decision is rooted in concerns regarding the potential dangers to the confidentiality of sensitive government data. The internal advisory, dated January 29, gained public attention coinciding with the visit of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to India, where he is scheduled to meet the IT minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Concerns over data security and information confidentiality have led various countries to enforce restrictions on the use of AI technologies. The advisory from the Indian Finance Ministry aligns with recent actions taken by other nations regarding similar technologies. Taiwan, for example, has prohibited its government agencies from utilizing services provided by DeepSeek due to risks associated with national security, reflecting a growing trend among governments to safeguard sensitive information from potential breaches.
The directive from the Finance Ministry signifies an increasing vigilance regarding data security in governmental operations. By prioritizing the protection of confidential documents, the ministry aims to mitigate risks associated with using AI technologies that may compromise sensitive information. As similar measures are adopted worldwide, the landscape of AI usage in government contexts is evolving towards stricter controls.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
