India has entered the global AI debate with the issuance of a new advisory mandating that “significant” tech firms seek government permission before introducing new AI models.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT released the advisory on Friday, emphasizing the need for firms to ensure their products or services uphold electoral integrity and avoid bias or discrimination. Although the advisory lacks legal binding, Deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar views it as a signal of future regulation, urging compliance from tech entities.
Chandrasekhar clarified on Twitter that the advisory targets “untested AI platforms” operating in the Indian internet space and exempts startups from its scope. The ministry invokes authority from the IT Act, 2000 and IT Rules, 2021, demanding immediate compliance and a detailed report within 15 days.
This advisory represents a shift from India’s prior hands-off approach to AI regulation, with the ministry previously identifying AI as crucial to national interests. The sudden change has alarmed industry stakeholders, with many expressing concerns over potential hindrances to India’s global competitiveness.
Pratik Desai, founder of Kisan AI, lamented the impact on his agricultural AI startup, highlighting the demotivating effect after years of dedicated work. Silicon Valley leaders also voiced criticism, with Aravind Srinivas of Perplexity AI denouncing the move as “bad” and Martin Casado of Andreessen Horowitz expressing disbelief.
The advisory follows Chandrasekhar’s rebuke of Google’s Gemini last month for a response regarding India’s PM Narendra Modi, which the minister deemed a violation of IT Rules, 2021 and potentially the Criminal Code. Non-compliance could lead to penal consequences for intermediaries, platforms, or users identified by authorities.
