US cyber agency chief Madhu Gottumukkala under scrutiny for uploading sensitive files to ChatGPT
Washington: Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala, the acting head of the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is facing scrutiny after reportedly uploading sensitive government documents to the public version of ChatGPT, triggering automated security alerts and an internal review.
According to a report by Politico, Gottumukkala uploaded documents related to government contracts and cybersecurity matters during the summer of 2025 for official work purposes. While the documents were not classified, they were marked “For Official Use Only” (FOUO), meaning they were not intended for public disclosure.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Politico that the uploads activated internal safeguards designed to flag the sharing of protected government material on public platforms. The incident prompted an internal review to determine whether any sensitive information may have been exposed.
The development has drawn attention because CISA is the federal agency responsible for protecting US government networks from advanced cyber threats, including those believed to be backed by foreign states such as Russia and China.
Who Is Madhu Gottumukkala?
Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala, who is of Indian origin, currently serves as the acting director of CISA. He holds a PhD in Information Systems from Dakota State University, an MBA in Engineering and Technology Management from the University of Dallas, an MS in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Andhra University.
What triggered the ChatGPT security concern?
The controversy centres on the use of ChatGPT, a public artificial intelligence platform developed by OpenAI. Information entered into the public version of the tool may be stored and used to improve the system, raising concerns about whether government-related data could have been inadvertently retained or exposed.
Although the materials uploaded were not classified, officials emphasised that FOUO documents are still considered sensitive and subject to strict handling protocols.
CISA’s response
CISA sought to play down concerns surrounding the incident. In an email response to Politico, agency spokesperson Marci McCarthy said Gottumukkala had official permission to use ChatGPT under specific DHS safeguards.
“Acting Director Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala last used ChatGPT in mid-July 2025 under an authorised temporary exception,” McCarthy said, adding that CISA’s standard policy remains to block access to ChatGPT unless a formal exception is granted.
The issue has attracted added attention due to previous reports involving Gottumukkala. Politico had earlier reported that several CISA employees were placed on leave after Gottumukkala allegedly failed a polygraph test that he had supported introducing. Gottumukkala has disputed that account and told lawmakers that he did not agree with that characterisation.
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Arijit Singh likely to launch new political party: Reports
New Delhi: The music industry is abuzz with fresh speculation days after singer Arijit Singh announced that he would step away from taking new playback singing assignments.
According to a report by NDTV, the popular singer is now being linked to a possible entry into politics. Sources cited by the portal claim that Arijit is seriously considering exploring political work, beginning at the grassroots level. A source from the Bengali film industry told NDTV that while the singer is unlikely to contest the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, he may be thinking about forming his own political party in the future.
Arijit Singh, who hails from Jiaganj in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, has long been known for maintaining a low profile despite his immense popularity. The report suggests that his alleged interest in politics may be driven by his roots and a desire to contribute beyond music. However, the singer has not made any official statement confirming these reports.
The speculation comes shortly after Arijit announced his decision to stop taking new playback singing assignments. In a post shared on Instagram on Tuesday evening, he thanked listeners for their continued support and said he was calling time on his journey as a playback vocalist.
“Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey,” he wrote.
Arijit also clarified that he would complete his pending commitments and that some releases may still come out this year. He stressed that he was not quitting music altogether and would continue to learn and create independently.
Over the past decade, Arijit Singh has been one of the most influential voices in Hindi cinema, delivering several chart-topping songs including Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Raabta, Kesariya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Yaar Hoon Main and Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage. He was also expected to feature in Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming film O Romeo. His most recent release is Ghar Kab Aaoge from Border 2.
As of now, neither Arijit Singh nor his representatives have responded to the reports linking him to a political foray.
