'AI Advisory Will Not Apply to Startups,' Clarifies Rajeev Chandrasekhar

In a recent advisory issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), significant platforms have been singled out, requiring them to seek permission before deploying untested AI models on the Indian internet. Notably, startups are exempted from these stringent regulatory measures.

"The advisory is specifically aimed at significant platforms. Seeking permission from MeitY is only mandatory for large platforms, and it will not apply to startups," said Indian IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on X.

"The advisory aims to prevent untested AI platforms from deploying on the Indian Internet," added Chandrasekhar.

The advisory emphasises that obtaining permission, labeling, and disclosing information to users about untested platforms act as protective measures for companies. This process serves as an insurance policy, shielding these platforms from potential consumer lawsuits that might arise in the absence of such transparency measures.

“The process of seeking permission, labeling, and consent-based disclosure to users about untested platforms is an insurance policy for platforms that could otherwise face lawsuits from consumers,” read Chandrasekhar’s post on X.

The primary focus of the advisory is to prevent untested AI platforms from entering and operating within the Indian internet landscape.

This clarification comes after the recent advisory issued by MeitY, stating that all AI models, large-language models (LLMs), software using generative AI, or any algorithms currently in the beta stage of development or deemed unreliable in any form must seek the 'explicit permission of the Government of India' before being deployed for users on the Indian internet.