Maharashtra Forms AI Committee After Facial Recognition Controversy

The Maharashtra government will form an expert committee to create guidelines for AI use in governance. This follows debates over a facial recognition system installed at Vidhan Bhavan without legislators' approval. Concerns about misuse and jurisdiction have prompted swift action. Opposition members questioned the installation of the facial recognition system at Vidhan Bhavan. They argued that legislators had not given their consent for its deployment. The system operates under the Legislature Secretariat, not the state government, which limits direct state oversight.

The Speaker holds authority over directives related to the system. The committee, to be formed within 30 days, will draft standard operating procedures for AI applications. Its report will be submitted in four to six months for central policy review.

Security staff at sensitive government sites will receive training to detect and manage AI-powered devices. Existing laws already allow action against misuse of such technology. If an investigation is required, the police will handle the inquiry. The system in question reportedly used photographs already held by the Legislature Secretariat. AI offers benefits for governance but carries risks if not properly regulated. The committee’s work aims to address these challenges with clear guidelines.