ENA Sectors 2025-02-06 15:00:43 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Feb 6 (KNN)</strong> Amid the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, the Indian Finance Ministry has issued a directive urging its employees to strictly avoid using AI tools, such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek, on government computers and devices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This decision, issued by the Ministrys Department of Expenditure on January 29, stems from concerns about the confidentiality of sensitive government data.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The directive highlighted the risks posed by AI applications on office systems, warning that they could jeopardise the security of official documents.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">It advised employees to refrain from using such tools, emphasising that the use of AI chatbots should be strictly prohibited in official capacities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As AI tools continue to gain popularity worldwide, some countries have already taken similar steps to safeguard their data.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Notably, China has acted to limit the use of foundational models like DeepSeek due to privacy and data security concerns. This follows the growing recognition of AI's potential to access and process sensitive information.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Interestingly, the ban comes at a time when AI chatbots are booming in India. OpenAIs CEO, Sam Altman, revealed on his visit to India that the country is now the second-largest market for ChatGPT, with its user base having tripled in the past year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Altmans visit also coincides with the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model that has gained attention for being a cost-effective alternative to OpenAIs models while offering comparable capabilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As the popularity of AI chatbots continues to surge, government institutions are faced with balancing innovation with protecting sensitive data from potential security threats.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><em>(KNN Bureau)</em></strong></span></p> 40965 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/finance-ministry-bans-ai-chatbots-on-government-devices-over-security-concerns 2025-02-06 15:00:43 knnindia.co.in