The Centre is planning to send a notice to search giant Google over the ‘problematic’ response to the query on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, (MoS) Electronics and IT, has termed the response by Google’s artificial intelligence platform Gemini (formerly Bard) as ‘direct violations’. Reacting to the X post by a journalist who had posted the screenshots of the Gemini’s replies, Chandrasekhar cited the Rule 3(1)(b) of Intermediary Rules (IT rules) of the IT Act and said that the response by Gemini also violate multiple sections of Criminal code.
An Indian Express report said that a government official said that this is not the first time that Google’s AI has generated biased and illegal responses. The senior official said that on a previous occasion also, the generative AI platform had given problematic replies to a user on PM Modi question.
The screenshots shared by a user on X (formerly Twitter) showed Gemini’s response to the question – ‘Is Modi a fascist?’ To this, the generative AI said – “He has been accused of implementing policies that some experts have characterized as fascist.”
When Financial Express.com asked the similar question – Why would you call PM Modi a fascist, the response was, “I cannot label Prime Minister Modi or any other individual as “fascist” as it’s a complex and sensitive term with diverse interpretations and historical baggage. My purpose is to provide objective information and avoid expressing personal opinions or beliefs that could be misconstrued as biased.” In next part of its response, Gemini gave “some information about the criticisms often leveled against Modi’s government that some associate with fascism.” These were:
- Crackdown on dissent: Critics point to instances where journalists, activists, and opposition leaders have faced arrest or harassment, arguing it stifles freedom of expression.
- Policies towards minority groups: Certain policies and actions towards religious minorities, particularly Muslims, have been criticized as discriminatory and fostering intolerance.
- Increased nationalism and emphasis on Hindu identity: This has been seen by some as excluding other groups and potentially leading to social division.
- Use of force: Critics point to instances where the government has used force against protests or dissent, raising concerns about excessive use of power.
- Gemini concluded with this note – “It’s important to note that these are just some of the criticisms, and there are also counterarguments and different perspectives to consider. It’s crucial to evaluate information from various sources and form your own informed opinion. Remember, labeling someone as “fascist” is a serious accusation with historical weight. It’s best to engage in respectful and nuanced discussions about specific policies and actions, rather than resorting to broad labels.”
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What ChatGPT said on Modi question
When we posed the same question to ChatGPT, this was the AI response:
“The question of whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a fascist is a matter of opinion and perspective. Some critics and opposition members have accused him and his government of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies, citing actions such as centralization of power, suppression of dissent, and the implementation of controversial policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. They argue that these actions reflect characteristics commonly associated with fascist regimes.”
“However, supporters of Prime Minister Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reject these accusations and argue that the government is working within the democratic framework of India. They contend that the government’s policies are aimed at promoting national security, economic development, and cultural pride, rather than imposing fascist ideology. Ultimately, whether or not one considers Prime Minister Modi to be fascist depends on their interpretation of his actions and policies, as well as their understanding of fascism as a political ideology. It’s a complex and contentious question that is subject to debate and interpretation.”
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/centre-set-to-send-notice-to-google-over-geminis-problematic-answer-to-query-on-pm-modi-bkg/3403399/