The government of Maharashtra announced plans on Tuesday to form an expert committee within 30 days to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for artificial intelligence usage. This decision follows growing concerns from Opposition legislators regarding the unauthorized installation of a facial recognition system at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam stated that the expert committee is tasked with delivering a report within four to six months. These recommendations will be submitted to the Central government to assist in shaping national AI policy and legal frameworks. Kadam noted that existing laws already permit legal action against the misuse of devices like AI-enabled smart glasses for secret recording and privacy violations. Security personnel at sensitive government sites will also receive training to identify and manage such AI-integrated surveillance tools.

During a legislative session, Shiv Sena (UBT) member Aditya Thackeray challenged the government on the origin of the facial recognition database, citing a lack of consent from elected officials. Thackeray demanded transparency regarding data storage, the identity of the third-party provider, and existing privacy firewalls. Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh further questioned how a database was established without formal iris scanning or biometric registration, raising alarms that facial recognition could be generated from publicly available photographs. While ruling party members Sidharth Shirole, Chetan Tupe, and Namita Mundala pushed for a clear regulatory framework, Kadam clarified that the Vidhan Bhavan system falls under the Speaker's jurisdiction. The minister suggested the database likely utilized existing photographs and confirmed that any formal inquiry would be initiated solely by the Speaker.

The government of Maharashtra announced plans on Tuesday to form an expert committee within 30 days to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for artificial intelligence usage. This decision follows growing concerns from Opposition legislators regarding the unauthorized installation of a facial recognition system at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam stated that the expert committee is tasked with delivering a report within four to six months. These recommendations will be submitted to the Central government to assist in shaping national AI policy and legal frameworks. Kadam noted that existing laws already permit legal action against the misuse of devices like AI-enabled smart glasses for secret recording and privacy violations. Security personnel at sensitive government sites will also receive training to identify and manage such AI-integrated surveillance tools.

During a legislative session, Shiv Sena (UBT) member Aditya Thackeray challenged the government on the origin of the facial recognition database, citing a lack of consent from elected officials. Thackeray demanded transparency regarding data storage, the identity of the third-party provider, and existing privacy firewalls. Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh further questioned how a database was established without formal iris scanning or biometric registration, raising alarms that facial recognition could be generated from publicly available photographs. While ruling party members Sidharth Shirole, Chetan Tupe, and Namita Mundala pushed for a clear regulatory framework, Kadam clarified that the Vidhan Bhavan system falls under the Speaker's jurisdiction. The minister suggested the database likely utilized existing photographs and confirmed that any formal inquiry would be initiated solely by the Speaker.