Industry applauds government’s initiative to amend GenAI advisory

Industry players have welcomed the government’s decision to amend its advisory, released on 1 March, regarding companies developing GenAI- and AI-based tools and features. The new update removes the requirement for explicit government consent before releasing these tools in the market and eliminates the compliance deadline within 15 days. The amended advisory, issued on 15 March, aims to support the innovation ecosystem and speed up the market entry process for AI-based products.

The original advisory mandated platforms and intermediaries equipped with AI and GenAI capabilities to obtain government approval before offering services that enable the creation of deepfakes. They were also required to label themselves as ‘under testing’ and secure explicit consent from users, highlighting potential errors in the technology. The amended advisory retains these requirements, emphasizing the need for responsible usage of AI technologies to prevent misinformation and electoral interference.

Executives in the industry have applauded the government’s move, especially during high-risk periods like elections. They believe the revision is a positive step but also stress the importance of procedural safeguards to prevent hasty policy decisions. The revision follows previous controversies involving AI platforms generating questionable content, underscoring the significance of regulating AI and GenAI technologies effectively.

Overall, the industry is supportive of the government’s decision to revise the advisory, recognizing the balance between innovation and regulatory oversight. These changes aim to promote responsible AI usage while fostering a conducive environment for technological advancement in India.