The recent advisory issued by the Centre regarding the launch of AI models has sparked clarification regarding its scope. The Ministry of Electronics and IT has emphasized that the advisory specifically targets big tech companies and social media giants, excluding startups from its directives. This clarification comes amidst concerns over the potential impact of untested AI platforms, particularly as India approaches crucial election periods.
IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar took to X (formerly Twitter) to share insights into the intent behind the advisory, highlighting its focus on significant platforms. According to the Minister, the Ministry’s directives aim to curb the deployment of unverified AI platforms in the Indian market. The inclusion of processes such as obtaining permission, labeling inaccurate models, and disclosing user consent is envisioned as an “insurance policy” for these platforms.
Meity’s advisory, issued in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, underscores the importance of AI platforms in combating misinformation. It emphasizes the need for these platforms to operate without bias or discrimination and to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. Additionally, the advisory mandates platforms to submit an action taken-cum-status report within 15 days of its implementation, ensuring accountability and transparency in their operations.
Following the controversy surrounding Google Gemini AI, the advisory has been updated to specifically address issues related to artificial intelligence (AI). The Minister emphasized that digital platforms must take full responsibility and cannot evade accountability by citing the testing phase of AI models. Non-compliance with the IT Act and/or IT Rules will lead to penalties for both platforms and users, including potential prosecution under various criminal statutes.
According to the advisory, all platforms are required to ensure that the use of AI models, LLM (Large Language Models), Generative AI, software, or algorithms does not facilitate the hosting, displaying, uploading, modifying, publishing, transmitting, storing, updating, or sharing of any unlawful content as outlined in Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules or any other provision of the IT Act.