AI tools can jeopardize safety of classified data

The decision taken by the Union Finance Ministry to restrict its staff from downloading and using AI tools like ChatGPT or DeepSeek for official purposes seems to be quite right in safeguarding strategic government data. Reportedly, the aforesaid ministry has asked its employees to avoid using AI tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek for official purposes after an internal advisory was issued in this regard. The government has cited the risk posed to the confidentiality of government documents and data behind the move. One cannot rule out that the presence of AI tools and AI apps such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, etc. in the office computers and devices can compromise the confidentiality of (government) data and documents. Though the risk is associated with other ministries also but till date only the report regarding the Finance Ministry barring its employees from using the aforesaid applications has come to fore in the print media. Several countries around that world have placed similar restrictions or warning on the use of DeepSeek, citing data security risks thus justifying the step taken by the Finance Department. With the fast and unprecedented advancements in AI technology, the use of such tools can inadvertently expose confidential information to external risks, such as data breaches, misuse, or unauthorized access thus taking a decision to keep away from these applications is not at all a bad idea rather it is the need of the hour, which the Indian government has accomplished well in time. It is necessary that other ministries and strategic departments should also take the cue from this move and take similar steps for safeguarding the critical data and information. It is a risky situation that AI tools require sensitive and classified data for providing services which is a matter of grave concern because in this whole gamut, the chances of compromising of confidentiality of the national secrets cannot be ruled out. Restricting the use of such tools ensures that sensitive information is not inadvertently exposed to third parties or compromised through potential vulnerabilities. This stance taken by the Finance Ministry has no doubt prioritized the protection of critical national assets in an increasingly interconnected and digital world, which has become necessary especially when the credibility of aforesaid AI tools lies in the circle of doubt.