The Ministry of Finance has issued an advisory to the employees to avoid using ChatGPT, DeepSeek and other such AI tools for official work citing concerns over data security and confidentiality. It is reported that the advisory warns that AI chatbots pose risks to sensitive government information when used on office computers and devices. The advisory was dated January 29 and surfaced at a time when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is visiting India for meetings and simultaneously to discuss with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

India is also working on its own AI infrastructure and Vaishnaw lately announced that the country is preparing to launch a foundational AI model that can compete with global players. He emphasized that India could develop such models within months with algorithmic efficiency and allow it to participate more actively in the global AI race.

Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek has gained rapid popularity immediately after its launching but simultaneously also facing scrutiny worldwide. Dutch authorities launched an investigation into its data privacy policies. Italy has banned DeepSeek after its data protection authority found compliance gaps. Australia announced a ban on its use in government devices over similar concerns.

The decision of India to restrict AI chatbots in government offices underlines the ongoing debate between innovation and security. AI tools offer efficiency and productivity benefits as well as the risks of data leakage and unauthorized access. India’s push to develop its own AI models reflects a strategic move to ensure greater control over data and reduce reliance on foreign AI platforms.