Introduction
In a significant development, the Indian IT Ministry is set to issue a notice to Google regarding what it deems as “problematic and illegal” responses generated by its AI platform Gemini concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move comes after the platform presented objectionable responses to user queries, sparking concerns over the content generated by generative AI.
A senior government official revealed that Gemini, formerly known as Bard, had previously provided an objectionable response to a user seeking a summary of an article from a conservative outlet. However, the recent responses related to PM Modi have become the catalyst for the ministry’s intervention. This escalation reflects the ongoing struggle between lawmakers and tech companies regarding the future of safe harbour protections for generative AI platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT.
Google Gemini AI VS PM Modi
Google, acknowledging “inaccuracies in some historical image generation depictions” with its Gemini AI tool, recently issued an apology. Criticism arose over depictions of white figures, such as the US Founding Fathers, or groups like Nazi-era German soldiers being portrayed as people of color.
As per a screenshot shared on social media, a user asked Gemini whether PM Modi is a ‘fascist,’ to which the platform responded by stating that he has been “accused of implementing policies some experts have characterised as fascist.” The response considered factors like the BJP’s Hindu nationalist ideology, its crackdown on dissent, and its use of violence against religious minorities.
However, the disparity in responses became evident when a similar question about former US President Donald Trump was posed. Gemini deflected, stating, “Elections are a complex topic with fast-changing information. To make sure you have the most accurate information, try Google Search.”
Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, expressed concern, labelling these responses as direct violations of Rule 3(1)(b) of Intermediary Rules of the IT Act and several provisions of the Criminal Code. These rules mandate basic due diligence for intermediaries like Google to enjoy immunity from third-party content.
A senior IT Ministry official disclosed that this isn’t the first time Google’s AI system has presented “answers replete with biases.” A show cause notice is being issued, demanding an explanation for Gemini’s generation of problematic views on certain individuals. If unsatisfactory answers are provided, legal action may be pursued.
When questioned about PM Modi, Gemini’s response, as witnessed by this paper, displayed nuance. While acknowledging accusations of fascism, it emphasized the lack of consensus on this characterization. Critics pointed to Modi’s association with the BJP and his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, while others highlighted his record as Prime Minister and economic reforms as evidence to the contrary.
On the Trump question, Gemini provided a response similar to the previous screenshot, raising concerns about the platform’s consistency in addressing political figures.
Notably, last year, a user claimed that Gemini, then named Bard, refused to summarize an article from a conservative outlet, citing alleged spread of false information. Google clarified that Bard is an experiment, not reflecting its perspective, and is trained on publicly available data to generate original responses.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the IT Ministry’s notice to Google underscores the growing challenges in regulating AI platforms. The demand for accountability and transparency in the responses generated by these systems is becoming more pronounced, mirroring the wider debate on the ethical use of AI.
