The new AI writing tool from OnePlus is facing tough criticism after multiple reports surfaced that it refuses to generate any content when prompts mention “Arunachal Pradesh”. The issue — described by many as outright censorship — has triggered a wave of anger among Indian users, especially given the sensitive geopolitical context around the region.
What Happened: OnePlus AI’s Unusual Silence
- Several users — most notably an X user named Arjun Koroth — posted videos showing that whenever their prompt included “Arunachal Pradesh,” the AI tool froze and answered with “Try entering something else,” instead of generating any text
- The problem is not isolated: similar prompts including references to politically sensitive subjects such as the Dalai Lama or Taiwan reportedly also lead to refusal or abrupt block by the AI.
- Users across OnePlus devices (particularly on those with the latest OxygenOS update that includes the AI-writer) observed the same behavior — suggesting the issue is not user-specific or hardware-specific, but systemic.
Why This Matters — Censorship, Sovereignty, and Consumer Trust
The refusal of OnePlus AI to acknowledge “Arunachal Pradesh” raises several major concerns:
- Perceived political censorship: Given that “Arunachal Pradesh” is a contested term between India and China (with China claiming the region under a different name), the refusal seems to mirror politically-sensitive filters often associated with Chinese AI models.
- Erosion of user trust: For many Indian users, the inability to even mention an Indian state — especially one integral to national sovereignty — is viewed as unacceptable. The backlash on social media reflects anger and disappointment
- Transparency demands on AI vendors: The controversy raises broader questions about how AI models are trained, what filters are baked in, and whether global products should obey local laws or foreign censorship standards.
Background: Why “Arunachal Pradesh” Is Sensitive for Some AI Models
The reluctance of some AI models to engage with content about Arunachal Pradesh is not new. Previously, another AI chatbot from China — DeepSeek — had reportedly refused to answer questions about the Indian northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh.
Given that OnePlus is part of a larger corporate group headquartered in China, some analysts suggest that the new AI feature may be relying on a Large Language Model (LLM) originally intended for a different (or Chinese) market. If so, the censorship rules applicable in China might have inadvertently carried over to devices used in other countries — including India.
Public Reaction & Calls to Action
- Many users on social media have expressed anger and disappointment. The widespread sharing of test videos — showing the AI refusing even neutral or informational prompts — has intensified backlash. Moneycontrol
- Some are calling for a boycott of OnePlus products or demanding that the company fix the issue immediately through a software update that removes such censorship filters.
- Others urge regulatory oversight, arguing that global tech brands must respect the sovereignty and sensitivities of the markets they serve — especially when launching AI features in geopolitically sensitive regions.
What’s Next — Will OnePlus Respond?
As of now, there is no official response from OnePlus India about the issue.
Given the volume of public outrage and criticism, it is likely that OnePlus will face increasing pressure — either to clarify whether the AI uses a Chinese LLM, or to patch the tool so that it respects local contexts appropriately.
For Indian users, this episode highlights the need to scrutinize AI tools beyond features — paying close attention to their training, jurisdiction, and potential biases.
Wider Implications: AI, Global Products and Local Politics
This incident with OnePlus AI isn’t just about a phone’s writing tool. It underscores a larger challenge as AI becomes ubiquitous: How can global products reconcile conflicting political narratives across different countries?
For consumers, it means vigilance. For developers, it means responsibility. And for regulators, perhaps, a call to demand transparency — especially when AI affects speech, identity, and national sentiment.
