Officials from the Finance Ministry, OpenAI (the parent company of ChatGPT), and DeepSeek have yet to comment on the advisory
The Indian Finance Ministry has issued an advisory prohibiting its employees from using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT and DeepSeek, for official tasks. The move comes amid growing concerns about data security and the confidentiality of government documents, according to media reports.
The advisory, dated January 29, 2025, warned that AI applications pose risks to sensitive information handled by government departments. “It has been determined that AI tools and AI apps (such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, etc.) in office computers and devices pose risks for the confidentiality of government data and documents,” the Finance Ministry’s notice stated.
Officials from the Finance Ministry, OpenAI (the parent company of ChatGPT), and DeepSeek have yet to comment on the advisory. However, three Finance Ministry officials reportedly confirmed that the directive was genuine and had been communicated internally earlier this week.
Global Concerns Over AI Tools
India’s decision follows similar restrictions in other countries, including Australia and Italy, where concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of sensitive information through AI-powered tools. The advisory appears to be in line with global efforts to mitigate data security risks in government communications.
However, it remains unclear whether other Indian ministries will adopt similar measures. Reuters could not independently verify any broader government directives beyond the Finance Ministry’s advisory.
OpenAI Legal Troubles In India
OpenAI, which operates ChatGPT, is already facing legal challenges in India. Several major media houses have accused the company of copyright infringement. In its defence, OpenAI has argued that it does not have servers in India and that Indian courts lack jurisdiction over the case.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is scheduled to visit India on Wednesday and is expected to meet with the IT Minister. The timing of the advisory has sparked speculation about whether the issue of AI tool usage in government work will be discussed during his visit.
AI Advancements Continue
Despite regulatory concerns, AI platforms are advancing rapidly. OpenAI recently upgraded ChatGPT to support dynamic interaction, allowing users to input image and voice messages in addition to text queries. This marks a significant evolution from the platform’s earlier text-only interface.
Meanwhile, DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has also faced scrutiny in various countries over potential data security risks, prompting bans in some regions.
As India joins the growing list of nations placing restrictions on AI tools in government settings, the debate over the balance between technological innovation and data security continues to evolve.
