Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai The Indian Finance Ministry has issued an advisory instructing its employees to refrain from using AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for any official work. The government has expressed concerns that these AI-driven platforms pose a significant risk to the confidentiality and security of government documents and sensitive data.

This move aligns with a global trend where several governments are implementing strict data security measures to safeguard confidential information from potential leaks and cyber threats. Countries like Australia and Italy have already imposed restrictions on DeepSeek, citing similar security risks.

Advisory Report Leaked on Social Media

The advisory, reportedly issued on January 29, 2025, surfaced on social media on Tuesday, February 4. The document emphasizes that AI-powered tools should not be used on official computers and devices, as they could inadvertently expose government documents to external platforms, increasing the risk of data breaches.

The advisory states:

"It has been decided that AI tools and applications (such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek) used on office computers and devices pose a threat to the confidentiality of government data and documents. Employees are advised to refrain from using such tools for official purposes."

This development comes just before OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s visit to India, scheduled for Wednesday, February 5. During his visit, he is expected to meet with the Indian IT Minister, where discussions on AI regulation, data security, and potential collaborations could take place.

No Official Response from Authorities Yet

As of now, neither the Indian Finance Ministry nor representatives from OpenAI and DeepSeek have issued any official response regarding the advisory. However, three senior officials from the ministry have confirmed that the directive is legitimate and was circulated internally this week.

The ban highlights the Indian government's growing concerns over AI-powered platforms handling classified information. AI models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek rely on vast amounts of data processing and cloud storage, which raises serious cybersecurity concerns, particularly when handling sensitive state information.

Why Are AI Tools a Concern for Governments?

1. Data Privacy Risks: AI tools require large-scale data inputs, and any sensitive government information entered into them could be stored or accessed by third parties.

2. Cybersecurity Threats: If AI models process or generate classified government data, it could potentially be exposed to cyberattacks or foreign intelligence agencies.

3. Unregulated AI Growth: AI technology is evolving rapidly, but clear regulations for government use are still lacking, making unrestricted AI access a security hazard.

India’s Stance on AI Regulation

The Indian government has been actively working on AI policies, with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) exploring regulatory frameworks for AI tools. In 2023, the government proposed a policy to govern AI applications, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and security.