Finance Ministry Issues Advisory Against AI Tools at Workplace Over Confidentiality Risks

February 2025

Government Cautions Against AI Usage

The Finance Ministry has issued a strict advisory to all government officials, warning them against using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and others on official devices. This directive highlights growing concerns over data security and confidentiality risks associated with these technologies.

Key Highlights of the Advisory

1. Confidentiality Risks

AI tools process user inputs on external servers, increasing the risk of data leaks and security breaches. The government fears that sensitive information could be compromised.

2. Scope of the Ban

The restriction applies to all government offices and devices. Officials must strictly follow this rule to protect confidential government data.

3. Awareness on AI Usage

While AI tools offer efficiency and innovation, they are not suitable for handling sensitive government documents. The Ministry warns that these platforms may not guarantee data privacy.

Why the Ban?

Many AI tools, including ChatGPT, rely on cloud-based processing. This means that user-provided data could be stored or even accessed by third parties. The government wants to prevent:

• Data breaches – Leakage of confidential information.
• Misuse of data – Potential exploitation by external platforms.

Impact on Government Employees

Officials must now use in-house solutions or government-approved tools for official work. This move is part of broader cybersecurity efforts aimed at protecting critical government systems.

The Way Forward

AI is transforming workplaces across industries. However, the Finance Ministry’s warning highlights the need for balance between innovation and security. Organizations handling sensitive data must remain vigilant and prioritize confidentiality.

Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity policies and government regulations.