In a recent internal advisory, India’s Ministry of Finance has directed its employees to refrain from using artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek on official devices.
The ministry cites concerns over the confidentiality of government data and documents as the primary reason for this directive.
Details of the Advisory by Finance Ministry
The advisory, dated January 29, 2025, explicitly states:
“It has been determined that AI tools and AI apps (such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, etc.) in office computers and devices pose risks for confidentiality of (government) data and documents.”
This directive underscores the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive information from potential security breaches associated with the use of certain AI applications.
India’s cautionary stance aligns with actions taken by other nations. Australia and Italy have previously implemented similar restrictions on the use of DeepSeek, citing data security concerns.
Implications for Government Operations
The prohibition of AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek on official devices may necessitate adjustments in the workflow of finance ministry employees.
Employees often use these tools for tasks such as drafting documents, data analysis, and information retrieval.
The ban could lead to increased reliance on traditional methods or the development of alternative, secure AI solutions tailored for governmental use.
OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, has faced scrutiny in India due to a high-profile copyright infringement case with leading media houses.
The company has claimed in court filings that its servers are not located in India and has argued that Indian courts should not have jurisdiction over the matter.
The Ministry of Finance’s directive reflects a growing global awareness of the potential risks associated with AI tools, particularly concerning data security and confidentiality.
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