The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms are dangerous tools irrespective of who possesses them and it is immaterial whether such tools are in American or Chinese hands.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela made the observation while asking a counsel representing the Union government to seek instructions to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to block access of Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek.
The Bench passed the order after the counsel for Union of India said the matter requires consideration.
“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 remarked
The PIL against DeepSeek alleged that concerns have been raised with regard to privacy and security of the platform since its launch.
The petitioner also sought directions to create awareness about privacy and security concerns surrounding DeepSeek. It further sought directions to frame guidelines to block access to such AI tools.
The Court at the outset asked about the statutory mechanism for blocking such websites.
The counsel representing the Union government submitted that the issue is under consideration. The Court then said it would dispose of the petition.
However, since the counsel could not clarify whether the matter is already under consideration or is going to be considered by the government, the Court adjourned the matter to enable the government counsel to obtain complete instructions.
When the counsel representing the petitioner said that the issue pertains to a direct infringement of the right to privacy, 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. Are you aware of that? So therefore they are saying consideration … we are giving them an opportunity, please wait.”
The Court then listed the matter for hearing on February 20.