Govt employees asked to stop using AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek
The Indian Ministry of Finance has recently issued a directive instructing government employees to refrain from using AI tools and applications like ChatGPT and DeepSeek on official government devices. This directive, which was released on 29th January 2025, is aimed at safeguarding confidential government data from potential security threats.
Protecting Sensitive Data
The circular, signed by Joint Secretary Pradeep Kumar Singh, warns that the use of AI-powered applications on office computers could compromise sensitive government information. In response to these concerns, the ministry has advised all employees to discontinue the use of such tools on their official devices.
Approval and Distribution
The circular has been approved by the Finance Secretary and has been circulated to various key government departments, including Revenue, Economic Affairs, Expenditure, Public Enterprises, DIPAM, and Financial Services.
Global Concerns
This ban aligns with a broader global apprehension surrounding AI platforms that handle sensitive data. Many AI models, like ChatGPT, process user inputs on external servers, raising fears of data leakage or unauthorized access.
Impact and Implications
While this directive restricts the use of AI tools on official devices, it does not explicitly state whether employees are permitted to use them on personal devices for work-related tasks. This cautious approach signifies the government's prioritization of data security over convenience in the adoption of AI technologies.
Reasons for the Ban
The Indian Finance Ministry's decision to prohibit the use of AI tools on official devices is primarily motivated by security and confidentiality concerns. Here are some key reasons behind this move:
- Risk of data leaks: AI models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek process user inputs on external servers, potentially exposing sensitive government data to storage, access, or misuse.
- Lack of control over AI models: Cloud-based AI tools, owned by private companies, raise concerns about data processing and storage practices beyond government oversight.
- Compliance with data protection policies: The evolving data privacy landscape in India necessitates clear regulations to avoid data protection policy violations.
As the utilization of AI tools becomes more prevalent in work environments, the future establishment of regulated AI usage policies by the Indian government remains uncertain. As of now, finance ministry officials are required to rely on conventional methods, at least on their office computers.
