Ministry of Finance Bans AI Tools Like ChatGPT and DeepSeek Over Data Security Concerns
The Ministry of Finance has taken a strict stance on the use of AI tools, including ChatGPT and DeepSeek, citing risks to the confidentiality of government data and documents. An official order, approved by Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey, has been circulated to all departments under the ministry, such as the Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Expenditure, Department of Public Enterprises, DIPAM, and the Department of Financial Services.
The subject of the order is “Avoiding the Use of AI Tools/Apps in Office Devices.†According to the contents of the letter, as reviewed by CNBC Awaaz, the ministry has determined that the use of such tools on office devices poses significant risks to the security of sensitive government data.
The letter explicitly advises that AI tools and apps should not be used on office devices and asks that this directive be communicated to all employees. This decision, dated January 29, 2025, comes just ahead of the Union Budget, though sources confirm that the ban remains in force beyond the Budget period.
When contacted, the Ministry of Finance did not provide any response to queries regarding the order.