India’s Finance Ministry Bans AI Tools Like ChatGPT, DeepSeek on Official Devices Over Security Concerns
The Indian Ministry of Finance has issued a directive prohibiting the use of AI tools and applications, including ChatGPT and DeepSeek, on official government devices. The circular, dated January 29, 2025, aims to safeguard confidential government data from potential security threats.
Signed by Joint Secretary Pradeep Kumar Singh, the notice warns that AI-powered applications on office computers could compromise sensitive government information. To mitigate these risks, the ministry has advised all employees to refrain from using such tools on official devices.
The directive, approved by the Finance Secretary, has been circulated to key government departments, including Revenue, Economic Affairs, Expenditure, Public Enterprises, DIPAM, and Financial Services.
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Global Concerns Over AI Security
This ban reflects growing global apprehension regarding AI platforms handling sensitive data. Many AI models, including ChatGPT, process user inputs on external servers, raising concerns about data leakage and unauthorized access.
Governments and corporations worldwide have implemented similar restrictions to prevent data exposure. Several private companies and international organizations have already limited AI tool usage to safeguard confidential information.
While the order specifically bans AI tools on official devices, it does not clarify whether employees can use them on personal devices for work-related tasks. This move suggests that the government is taking a cautious approach to AI adoption, prioritizing data security over convenience.
As AI tools continue to become more prevalent in workplaces, it remains to be seen whether the Indian government will introduce regulated AI usage policies in the future. For now, finance ministry officials must rely on traditional methods, at least on their office computers.
Why Was the Ban Imposed?
The Finance Ministry’s decision to prohibit AI tools on official devices is driven by concerns over security and confidentiality. Here are some key reasons behind the move:

1. Risk of Data Leaks
AI models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek process user inputs on external servers, meaning any sensitive government data entered into these tools could be stored, accessed, or even misused. Since government offices handle classified financial data, policy drafts, and internal communications, even inadvertent sharing of information could pose significant security risks.
2. Lack of Control Over AI Models
Unlike traditional government-approved software, AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are cloud-based and owned by private companies (e.g., OpenAI for ChatGPT). The government has no direct oversight of how these tools store, process, or manage information, raising concerns about potential foreign access, data breaches, or cyber threats.
3. Compliance with Data Protection Policies
India is strengthening its data privacy framework with laws like the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. Allowing AI tools on official devices without clear regulations could result in violations of data protection policies, exposing government systems to potential security risks and legal challenges.
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