Delhi High Court Seeks Centre's Stand On PIL Against DeepSeek, Says AI Is Dangerous Tool In Anybody's Hands

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the stand of the Union Government on a public interest litigation challenging “DeepSeek”, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company that develops open-source large language models (LLMs).A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the Central Government's counsel to seek instructions in the matter and listed the case for hearing on February 20. The petition has been filed by one Bhavna Sharma. Her counsel told the Court that the petition has been filed against the platform "DeepSeek” which is a joint venture of two Chinese companies. She submitted that the plea raised concerns about the security of the platform as well as privacy infringement on the same. Chief Justice Upadhyay asked the petitioner's counsel if there is a statutory mechanism in India for blocking such websites. The counsel then responded that Section 69A of the Information Technology Act allows such an action.During the hearing, Justice Gedela orally remarked that artificial intelligence is a dangerous tool in anybody's hands, whether it is Chinese or American. “AI is a dangerous tool in anybody's hands, whether it is Chinese or American; doesn't make a difference. It is not that government is unaware of these things, they are very well aware….,” Justice Gedela told the petitioner's counsel. The counsel appearing for the Centre submitted that the matter is under consideration and sought some time to come back with instructions. As the petitioner's counsel said that the platform infringes on privacy of the users, Justice Gedela said: “"You are in dark web 97%. What are you saying? You are next generation youngsters. You know more about it than us. You think this data, any data is safe? Are you aware of dark web. Are you aware that 97% of the iceberg is tilted around…. They are saying consultation and we are giving them time. Please wait.”Counsel for Petitioner: Nihit Dalmia, Adv. & Bhavna Sharma Adv.Title: Bhavna Sharma v. Union of India & Ors.

Delhi High Court Seeks Centre's Stand On PIL Against DeepSeek, Says AI Is Dangerous Tool In Anybody's Hands

Nupur Thapliyal

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