The IT Ministry is currently in the process of sending a notice to Google regarding the problematic and illegal responses generated by its AI platform Gemini concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to sources from The Indian Express.
A high-ranking government official stated that Gemini, previously known as Bard, had previously provided a user with an objectionable response when asked for a summary of an article from a conservative outlet. The recent responses concerning PM Modi have prompted the issuance of the notice.
This escalation highlights the ongoing conflict between lawmakers and tech companies regarding the future of safe harbor protections for generative AI platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT. Google recently apologized for inaccuracies in historical image generation depictions made by its Gemini AI tool, which depicted white figures (such as the US Founding Fathers) or groups like Nazi-era German soldiers as people of color.
A screenshot shared on social media platform X shows that Gemini was asked if PM Modi is a ‘fascist’, to which the platform responded that he has been accused of implementing policies that some experts have characterized as fascist. This assessment is based on factors such as the BJP’s Hindu nationalist ideology, its crackdown on dissent, and its use of violence against religious minorities.
However, when asked a similar question about former US President Donald Trump, Gemini responded with a suggestion to use Google Search for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the complex topic of elections.
In response to the screenshot, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that these actions by Google are direct violations of Rule 3(1)(b) of the Intermediary Rules (IT rules) of the IT Act, as well as violations of several provisions of the Criminal code. These rules require intermediaries like Google to exercise basic due diligence in order to enjoy immunity from third-party content.
A senior official from the IT Ministry stated that Google’s AI system has once again provided biased answers. The official mentioned that a show cause notice will be issued to Google, inquiring about the reasons behind Gemini’s biased views on specific individuals. If the responses are deemed unsatisfactory, legal action may be taken against them, as per the official who preferred to remain anonymous.
Gemini’s response to a question regarding PM Modi was more nuanced compared to the previous biased answers. The response highlighted that while some critics label Modi as a fascist, there is no unanimous agreement on this characterization.
Further details from Gemini’s response revealed that critics associate Modi with the BJP, accused of being a Hindu nationalist party. They also point out Modi’s past actions, such as his involvement in the 2002 Gujarat riots, as evidence of fascist tendencies.
Conversely, some argue against labeling Modi as a fascist, citing his achievements as Prime Minister, including economic reforms and social welfare programs. They also argue that Modi’s affiliation with the BJP does not automatically make him a fascist, considering the party’s diverse nature.
However, when asked about Trump, Gemini provided a response similar to the biased answers seen previously.
In the past, a user claimed that Gemini, previously known as Bard, declined to summarize an article from a conservative outlet, alleging the platform spreads misinformation. Google clarified that Bard is an experimental tool trained on various publicly available data, generating original responses that do not necessarily reflect Google’s standpoint.