Former US President Donald Trump has banned the use of 'Woke AI' in government agencies. This order is an attempt to ensure the ideological neutrality of AI. Trump claims that many AI models are influenced by agendas like DEI.
In a significant move on the technological and ideological front, US President Donald Trump has issued an order banning the use of 'Woke AI' models in government agencies. This order will not only affect US AI policy but could also serve as a major indicator for countries like India, where discussions about ideological neutrality and digital ethics are intensifying.
What is 'Woke AI'?
The word 'Woke' originally denoted a positive awareness — such as consciousness against racism, gender inequality, and social injustice. But in recent years, the political and ideological use of this word has increased, and it is now often used for ideas and technologies that overlook objectivity in an attempt to excessively pursue social reform. 'Woke AI' refers to those AI models that prioritize ideas like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in their responses — sometimes at the expense of historical facts or scientific truths.
Trump's Executive Order: Key Highlights of the Order
Donald Trump's new order includes the following key provisions:
1. Mandatory Ideological Neutrality
From now on, US government agencies will only be able to use LLMs (Large Language Models) that adhere to truth, facts, and ideological impartiality.
2. Strict Contract Rules
AI provider companies will have to prove that their models are not influenced by any kind of social or political agenda. If it is proven that the model is biased, its contract can be terminated, and the company will be liable for damages.
3. Expectation of Truth and Objectivity from AI
Models must provide answers based solely on facts, whether the subject is history, science, or sociology.
Global Impact: Why is this Order Important for India?
1. Impact on AI Policymaking
This initiative by the United States can influence the direction of global AI policy. For India, which is actively working on AI policy, this order presents a worthy perspective on 'whether AI is just a technology or also an ideological product?'
2. Debate on Woke vs. Neutral AI in India as Well
In India, questions have also been raised about "liberal bias" and "sensitive censorship" on some tech platforms. In such a situation, this order can further sharpen the Indian policy discourse.
3. Ideological DNA of Technology
Now, the debate is also on whether AI can be protected from ideologies in the same way that humans have ideological inclinations.
Increased Challenge for Tech Companies
After Donald Trump's order, a new responsibility has come upon AI development companies. They will have to prove that their model is not associated with any ideology and is completely impartial. This task is not easy because the data that trains AI models is itself full of human biases.
What Could Be the Next Step in India?
Deliberations on digital policy are constantly ongoing in India. The question has now become more apparent to Indian policymakers — should we also set standards for ideological neutrality for our AI tools? At the same time, this is also an opportunity for India's AI developers and startups to develop neutral and transparent AI tools on a global scale and compete in the world market.
