Advisory on need for permission for AI deployment not applicable to startups: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Union Minister for Electronics and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, clarified that the recent advisory on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is specifically targeted at significant platforms. He emphasized that startups are exempt from the requirement of seeking explicit permission unless they fall under the category of large platforms.

The advisory, issued on March 1, 2024, stated that AI models, large-language models (LLMs), and software utilizing generative AI or any algorithms in the testing or beta stage must obtain explicit permission from the government before deployment on the Indian internet. The Ministry emphasized the need for platforms to ensure that their computer resources prevent bias, discrimination, or threats to the integrity of the electoral process through the use of AI and related technologies.

Minister Chandrasekhar clarified in a post on X that the advisory is specifically directed at untested AI platforms deploying on the Indian internet. He highlighted the process of seeking permission, labeling, and consent-based disclosure to users about untested platforms as an “insurance policy” for platforms, protecting them from potential lawsuits by consumers. The minister reiterated that ensuring the safety and trust of India’s internet is a shared goal for the government, users, and platforms.

India has consistently advocated for the deployment of the internet and emerging technologies in a “safe and trusted” manner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously highlighted the global challenge posed by deepfakes, emphasizing the potential for spreading false information or malicious intent behind their use.