Outcry from India over Google AI 'bias' clouds tech's future

Amidst accusations of bias by Google's AI tool Gemini, India is intensifying its crackdown on foreign tech companies mere months before the country's elections.

The government issued an order last week requiring businesses to obtain "explicit permission" before releasing software and experimental AI technologies for Indian users. This decree was issued in response to a dispute over Google's artificial intelligence platform, which labeled many of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives as "fascist."

In addition, officials urged businesses to make sure that "their computer resources do not permit any bias or discrimination or threaten the integrity of the electoral process" as Modi runs for reelection in April and May.

The Google controversy is a reflection of the struggle for control over AI platforms between Indian lawmakers and tech companies; observers predict that this struggle will only get more intense as more companies enter the market.   

Google's Gemini has drawn criticism in India since an Indian journalist said on social media last month that in response to inquiries regarding Modi's political views, Gemini stated he had been "accused of implementing policies some experts have characterized as fascist."

Gemini noted the Hindu nationalist policies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, including its use of violence against religious minorities and its persecution of dissent. Supporters of Modi became enraged by the conversations, and top government officials accused Google of "bias" and "mischief."

In response, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, called Gemini's responses "unacceptable" and promised to resolve the problem.