Government Turns To AI, Data Analytics To Filter Out Shell Companies

With the objective of establishing an ecosystem that will have "zero tolerance" for non-compliance with regulations, the corporate affairs ministry is betting big on AI and data analytics to deal with shell companies. Using these technologies, the ministry is developing an advanced MCA 21 portal. Used for submitting requisite filings under the companies law and managing a repository of data on corporates in India, the portal will enable authorities to weed out entities that do not comply with regulations. Typically, shell companies are floated for illegal activities like money laundering, and a zero tolerance approach to this, enabled by AI, can put a stop to these practices. It would make it "almost impossible for a shell company to survive," points out Corporate Affairs Secretary, Injeti Srinivas.