In a recent development that has stirred significant attention, Google issued an apology to the Indian government following the backlash over its AI application, Gemini.

The controversy has sparked a broader discussion on the regulation and accountability of AI-based applications in India. Union Minister Rajiv Chandrasekhar expressed dissatisfaction with Google’s apology, emphasising that a mere apology does not suffice in light of major internet platforms’ legal expectations and responsibilities.

Source: NDTV

The government of India has made it clear that AI-based applications operating within its jurisdiction must be licensed, highlighting the need for accountability and responsibility from companies like Google. Minister Chandrasekhar pointed out that platforms with a significant internet presence cannot simply apologise after violating laws or regulations.

“We will not tolerate platforms being irresponsible to the idea that the internet should be safe and trusted that our Digital Nagariks should find that what they consume is safe and trusted,” said Chandrasekhar. He said that this has been told to Google and every other platform very seriously. 

“Some platforms are taking the advice and laws seriously and some platforms believe, I think, very wrongly or in a sense delusionally that they are above the laws of India or the expectations of safety and trust that we are insisting,” he added. 

Citing Google, Chandrasekhar said this was “an irresponsible, unplanned, and hasty launch” of the platform [Gemini] that had not been fully tested yet or not fully passed the test for safety and trust that people put. 

“They are in some sort of a mad race not fearing any consequence of the platform blowing up and that is something that we are drawing their attention, and there is consequence,” he added, saying that companies are taking it from the lab and rushing it to the public internet without creating necessary guardrails.

The controversy surrounding Google’s Gemini application has raised important questions about regulating AI technologies and balancing innovation and legal compliance. As India continues to navigate the complexities of regulating emerging technologies, the government’s stance signals a firm commitment to protecting the interests of its citizens in the digital age.