The Indian government has introduced a new mandate requiring technology firms to obtain government clearance before publicly launching artificial intelligence (AI) tools still in development or deemed "unreliable," as reported by Reuters on March 4.

This regulation aims to regulate the deployment of AI technologies in India, with a focus on ensuring accuracy and dependability in tools available to citizens, especially as the country prepares for upcoming elections.

Under the directive issued by the Ministry of Information Technology, AI-based applications, particularly those utilizing generative AI, must obtain explicit authorization from the government before being introduced to the Indian market. Moreover, these AI tools must include warnings regarding their potential to generate incorrect responses to user queries, emphasizing the government's stance on the necessity of clarity regarding AI capabilities.

This move aligns with global efforts to establish guidelines for responsible AI usage. India's approach to enhancing oversight over AI and digital platforms reflects its broader regulatory strategy aimed at safeguarding user interests in an era of rapid digital advancement.

The government's advisory also underscores concerns about the impact of AI tools on the integrity of electoral processes, particularly with the upcoming general elections. Given expectations of the ruling party maintaining its majority, there is heightened attention to ensuring that AI technologies do not compromise electoral fairness.

The decision comes in the wake of recent criticisms of Google's Gemini AI tool, which generated responses perceived as unfavorable towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Google acknowledged the tool's imperfections, particularly regarding sensitive topics like current events and politics, describing it as "unreliable."

Deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized that reliability issues do not absolve platforms from legal obligations and stressed the importance of adhering to legal responsibilities concerning safety and trust.

By implementing these regulations, India is taking strides towards creating a regulated environment for the introduction and use of AI technologies. The requirement for government approval and the emphasis on transparency regarding potential inaccuracies aim to strike a balance between technological innovation and societal and ethical considerations, with a focus on protecting democratic processes and public interest in the digital age.