Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting with top bank officials because of concerns about new Artificial Intelligence (AI) risks. A company called Anthropic has developed a powerful AI model named “Mythos” (part of its Claude system).
This advanced AI system is designed with powerful cybersecurity capabilities. It can identify hidden weaknesses in computer systems, including very old vulnerabilities that may have gone unnoticed for decades. While this makes it useful for strengthening security, it also raises serious concerns if the technology is misused.
Experts worry that such AI might help hackers break into banking systems, steal or misuse customers’ personal and financial data, and even put people’s money at risk. Because these threats could affect millions of people and the overall financial system, the government is taking the issue very seriously and working on ways to strengthen security and prevent any misuse.
What the Finance Minister told banks?
In the meeting banks, the Reserve Bank of India, and government officials discussed these risks. They talked about how to protect systems before any attack happens.
The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has advised banks to stay alert while using AI tools and not rely on them blindly. she asked banks to make their security systems stronger so that hackers cannot take advantage of any weaknesses. She also stressed the importance of keeping customers’ personal information and money safe at all times. Additionally, banks have been told to be prepared in advance for any risks that could come from the misuse of AI, so they can quickly handle problems if they arise.
Meanwhile, Anthropic itself says this AI is so powerful it could be misused. That’s why it is not publicly released and is only being tested in a controlled way. The government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are now closely examining how dangerous such advanced AI systems could be if misused. At the same time, they are working on strengthening cybersecurity measures for banks, so that financial systems, customer data, and money remain safe from potential AI-driven threats.
