Google’s AI Chatbot Gemini Faces IT Ministry’s Ire Over Responses On PM Modi

At a time when the Indian government is firming up regulations to oversee the AI space, Google’s chatbot Gemini has now ruffled some feathers in the corridors of power. 

Responding to a post on X (formerly Twitter) that included Gemini’s answers to a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, minister of state for electronics and information technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the responses were in violation of IT Rules. 

“These are direct violations of Rule 3(1)(b) of Intermediary Rules (IT rules) of the IT act and violations of several provisions of the Criminal code,” said the MoS while tagging big tech major Google.

The Rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 mandates digital intermediaries to not host content that is defamatory, libellous, violates laws or threatens the unity and integrity of India.

The minister also tagged the handle of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. 

The post in question included screenshots of multiple responses from Gemini about world leaders, including PM Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, among others.

While the chatbot offered questionable responses about PM Modi, it was circumspect when it came to other leaders. 

“Note how Gemini has been trained, for American non-allies, American allies and Americans? Shame @Google,” said Arnab Ray, who posted the responses online. 

The comments came days after Chandrasekhar said that draft laws to regulate the AI space would be brought out by June or July this year. The draft norms will aim to harness AI for economic growth and address potential risks and harms, the IT minister said.

As GenAI sees massive adoption across the globe, including India, a slew of issues have cropped up with the emerging technology. Earlier last year, a major row broke after a GenAI-powered deepfake of actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral online, prompting criticism from netizens. 

As general elections approach, the Centre aims to crack the whip on misuse of AI by malicious actors and address issues such as safety and trust. 

Amid all these, the concerns flagged by the MoS have triggered another flashpoint between Indian authorities and social media platforms. Just a day earlier, X alleged that Indian authorities issued “executive orders” directing the platform to take action against specific accounts and posts.

Besides, the microblogging platform was earlier also locked in a legal tussle with the Centre in the Karnataka High Court (HC) over some take down orders. On top of that, platforms such as Meta and Google have also faced the ire of the Centre for failing to crack the whip on misinformation and fake news.

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