Resistance To Woke Colonialism? Google To Face Government Scrutiny Over Gemini AI's Response On PM Modi

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is set to issue a formal notice to Google over "problematic and illegal" responses generated by its artificial intelligence platform, Gemini, regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Google's AI platform, formerly known as Bard, had previously provided a user with an objectionable summary of an article from a conservative publication, and the recent responses concerning PM Modi have been the trigger for issuing the notice, according to a senior government official cited in an Indian Express report.

This development underscores the broader debate surrounding the future of "safe harbor" protections for generative AI platforms, including Gemini and ChatGPT.

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Google recently issued an apology for inaccuracies in historical image generation by its Gemini tool, following criticism for misrepresenting historical figures and groups in generated images.

According to a screenshot shared by a user on the social media platform X, Gemini was asked whether PM Modi is a ‘fascist’, to which the AI chatbot responded that he has been “accused of implementing policies some experts have characterised as fascist", which are based on factors like the “BJP’s Hindu nationalist ideology, its crackdown on dissent, and its use of violence against religious minorities”.

However, when a similar question was posed about former US President Donald Trump, Gemini's response was notably different, suggesting a Google Search for the most accurate and up-to-date information, citing the complexity of elections and rapidly changing data.

Responding to the post, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “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”.

These rules pertain to basic due diligence that is required of intermediaries like Google to enjoy immunity from third-party content.

A senior official from the IT Ministry indicated that this is the second instance of Google's AI system presenting biased responses.

"We are issuing a show cause notice to them, seeking information on why Gemini is generating such problematic views on certain individuals. If we do not find their answers satisfactory, they will stand to be prosecuted,” the official was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

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