The IT Minister lashed out at AI platform Gemini’s reply to the question, “Is Modi a fascist?” The entire controversy started when a user shared a screenshot.
In response to the post, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated, “These actions constitute direct violations of Rule 3(1)(b) of the Intermediary Rules under the IT Act, as well as breaches of numerous provisions of the Criminal Code.” These rules concern the fundamental due diligence obligations imposed on intermediaries such as Google to qualify for immunity from third-party content.
The biased reply from Gemini sparked controversy
According to a screenshot shared by a user on social media platform X, Gemini was queried about whether PM Modi is a ‘fascist’. The platform responded that he has been “accused of implementing policies that some experts
have characterized as fascist,” citing factors such as the “BJP’s Hindu nationalist ideology, its crackdown on dissent, and its use of violence against religious minorities.”
Further from Gemini’s response to that question: “Some critics highlight Modi’s affiliation with the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which has faced accusations of being a Hindu nationalist party. They also reference Modi’s previous
statements and actions, including his involvement in the 2002 Gujarat riots, as indications of his fascist inclinations.”
However, according to the screenshot, when posed with a similar question regarding former US President Donald Trump, Gemini responded with: “Elections are a complex topic with fast-changing information. To ensure you have the most accurate information, try Google Search.”
India takes a firm stance
India has reacted aggressively to this issue, and the IT Minister has stated that this constitutes a violation of the law. India has made it clear that it will not tolerate such actions any further, and the company will face consequences if such incidents occur again. This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. 
A senior government official mentioned that the company’s generative AI platform Gemini (formerly Bard) had previously provided a user with an objectionable response when seeking a summary of an article from a conservative outlet. The recent responses regarding PM Modi served as the catalyst for issuing the notice.
A senior official from the IT Ministry stated that this marked the second occasion where Google’s AI system provided “answers replete with biases.” “We are issuing a show cause notice to them, requesting information on why Gemini is generating such problematic views on specific individuals. If their responses are deemed unsatisfactory, they may face prosecution,” the official added, speaking on condition of anonymity.
